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What is POTS? How Is It Linked With COVID-19?

What is POTS? How Is It Linked With COVID-19?

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POTS is a complex multisystem condition characterized by orthostatic intolerance and tachycardia that can be induced by a viral infection like COVID-19.

Highlights:
  • Although many people recover rapidly from COVID-19, some people may have symptoms for months
  • Some COVID-19 "long-haulers" may be suffering from a well-recognised illness known as postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome
  • POTS impairs involuntary nervous system processes such as heart rate and blood pressure, typically upon rising from a seated position
Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome, generally known as POTS, is an autonomic nervous system condition characterized by a fast increase in heart rate after rising from a sitting or lying position.

Symptoms of POTS

The National Health Service (NHS) of the United Kingdom lists the following symptoms: dizziness or light-headedness, fainting or almost fainting, heart palpitations, chest pain, shortness of breath, and shivering and sweating. The NHS has listed as symptoms digestion issues, excessive weariness, cognitive fog, extreme exhaustion, hands and feet looking purple, blurred or tunnel vision accompanied by headaches. Simply put, a rise in heart rate occurs when you stand up and the majority of your blood remains in your lower body.

COVID-19 Long-Haulers Might Have POTS

"Although many people recover quickly from COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus, others who recover may continue to experience symptoms for months. Researchers are still determining the cause of these extended symptoms, but some COVID-19 "long-haulers" may be dealing with POTS," explains the Johns Hopkins Medicine institute, referring to long COVID-19.
In an essay on the website, Tae Chung, head of the Johns Hopkins POTS Program, states that POTS can be caused by a bacterial or viral infection, and individuals who suffered from extended COVID-19 have experienced comparable symptoms to the disease.

A report published this week by the American Heart Association also stated that probable causes and treatments for extended COVID-19-related POTS are still being researched.

Source-Medindia


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