Research suggests that a gluten-free diet may benefit certain patients with cardiac-related conditions, particularly those with postural tachycardia syndrome (POTS). A study published in the European Journal of Gastroenterology & Hepatology (2016 Dec;28(12):1383–1387) evaluated whether POTS might be associated with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.

In the study, 100 individuals with POTS were screened for celiac disease and completed questionnaires assessing gluten sensitivity, symptoms, and dietary patterns. Their results were compared with two control groups—one with 1,200 subjects and another with 400 subjects—none of whom had POTS.

Key findings:

  • 4% of POTS patients had celiac disease, compared to 1% in the control groups.

  • Self-reported gluten sensitivity was much more common in the POTS group (42%) than in age- and sex-matched controls (19%).

The authors concluded:
“This is the first study to suggest a potential association between gluten-related disorders and postural tachycardia syndrome.” They noted that future prospective studies may help clarify whether gluten avoidance could play a role in managing symptoms in some POTS patients.