Tracking Your Progress

Grades of Orthostatic Intolerance

This grading system was developed by Dr. Low and colleagues at Mayo Clinic. It was first published in 1995.

They recommend using the scale in determining when additional medication or intervention is needed.

It can be used to help you and your team track your progress or status over the time.

Grades of Orthostatic Intolerance

Grade 0
Normal orthostatic tolerance

Grade I
Orthostatic symptoms are infrequent or occur only under conditions of increased orthostatic stress. Patient is able to stand less then 15 minutes on most occasions. Subject typically has unrestricted activities of daily living.

Grade II
Orthostatic symptoms are frequent, developing at least once a week. Orthostatic symptoms commonly develop with orthostatic stress. Subject is able to stand less than 5 minutes on most occasions. Some limitation in activities of daily living is typical.

Grade III
Orthostatic symptoms develop on most occasions and are regularly unmasked by orthostatic stresses. Subject is able to stand less than 1 minute on most occasions. Patient is seriously incapacitated, being in bed or wheelchair. Syncope is common if patient attempts to stand. Symptoms may vary with time and state of hydration as well as other circumstances. Orthostatic stresses include prolonged standing, meals, exertion, and head stress.

Form to track your status

Here is a form you can print to use to keep track of your status with this grading system. Tracking Form-Grades of OI

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References

1. http://www.steadyhealth.com/articles/Grades_of_orthostatic_intolerance_a81.html
2. Low P, Opfer-Gehrking T, Textor S, Benarroch E, Shen W, Schondorf R, Suarez G,Rummans T. Postural tachycardia syndrome (POTS). Neurology. 1995;45:519–525. Abstract.