From the Research
The NASA Lean Test is a valuable diagnostic tool for Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), and it should be performed by having the patient lie down for 5 minutes and then stand with their back against a wall for 10 minutes, with heart rate and blood pressure measurements taken at 2,5, and 10 minutes. To diagnose POTS, the test measures the increase in heart rate and blood pressure when a person stands up from a lying down position. The diagnostic criteria for POTS include an increase in heart rate of 30 beats per minute or more (or ≥40 bpm for those aged 12-19) within 10 minutes of standing, without a significant drop in blood pressure (less than 20/10 mmHg) 1. Some key points to consider when performing the NASA Lean Test include:
- The patient should lie down for at least 5 minutes before standing to ensure accurate baseline measurements
- The patient should stand with their back against a wall, feet about 6 inches away from the wall, to minimize movement and ensure safety
- Heart rate and blood pressure should be measured at specific intervals (typically at 2,5, and 10 minutes) to assess the patient's response to standing
- The test is particularly useful because it requires minimal equipment, can be performed in any clinical setting, and is less physically demanding than other orthostatic tests like the tilt table test, making it more tolerable for patients with chronic fatigue or other symptoms 2. Recent studies have highlighted the importance of accurate diagnosis and management of POTS, and the NASA Lean Test is a useful tool in this process 3, 4. Overall, the NASA Lean Test is a simple, non-invasive, and valuable diagnostic tool for POTS, and it should be considered as part of a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation for patients with suspected POTS.