Observational case series of postural tachycardia syndrome (PoTS) in post-COVID-19 patients
Nicholas Gall, S. Jill James, Lesley Kavi
Abstract
There is emerging evidence that a proportion of patients who develop long (post)-COVID-19 have abnormalities in the regulation of their autonomic nervous system manifesting as postural tachycardia syndrome (PoTS). We report a series of 14 patients who developed symptoms and signs compatible with PoTS following clinically diagnosed COVID-19 infection. Their symptoms and clinical findings were consistent with those of patients with non-COVID-related PoTS. The authors recommend an active stand test for patients who present after COVID-19 infection with cardiovascular symptoms including chest pain, palpitations, lightheadedness and breathlessness that are worse with the upright posture. They further recommend training of clinicians and investment in health services to provide for the anticipated significant increase in patients presenting with PoTS and other forms of autonomic dysfunction due to the COVID-19 pandemic.