POTS Syndrome, which is the abbreviation for Postural Tachycardia Syndrome, has been found to have a link with Covid-19.
Recent studies show that a significant number of coronavirus survivors have developed POTS within six to eight months of infection.
So what exactly is the POTS Syndrome, what are its symptoms, and why might Covid-19 be triggering the disorder?
Here is everything we know.
What is POTS Syndrome?
The multisystem disorder sees patients’ heart rates increase very quickly after they get up from sitting or lying down.
Those with the syndrome feel better when they lie back down again.
What are the symptoms of POTS?
The symptoms of POTS include dizziness, fainting, noticeable heart palpitations, and chest pain. The disorder can also cause shortness of breath, and shaking or sweating.
POTS patients might suffer from stomach or digestion issues, headaches, blurred vision, discoloured hands and feet, and extreme exhaustion.
Those who show these symptoms are advised to see their GP, who will check your heart rate and blood pressure before and after you stand up. They may then refer you to a specialist who further investigates your symptoms.
What causes POTS?
The causes of POTS are not known. What doctors do know, however, is that it can develop suddenly or gradually over time.
While some get away with mild symptoms, others can see the disorder have a big impact on their lives.
Some factors have been found to make symptoms worse. These include dehydration, drinking alcohol, resting too much, exercising, being on your period, and eating.
How is POTS treated?
Patients with POTS usually need to find the right treatment that works for them through trial and error.
Your doctor might suggest some lifestyle changes such as cutting out alcohol, sticking to an eating schedule, or managing your stress first.
If the lifestyle changes alone aren’t sufficient, you may be prescribed medication.
Why could Covid-19 be triggering POTS?
Scientists haven’t been able to pinpoint the exact relationship between Covid-19 and POTS yet, but they do have a couple of theories about it.
One suggests that it could be the coronavirus causing antibody production against autonomic nerve fibres. Another speculates that POTS might be triggered by the body’s sympathetic nervous system being stimulated after infection.
