Long-term COVID-19 Symptoms: Cardiac Perspective, Palpitations (POTS)

In this resource, Dr. Cutchens discusses the emergence of POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome) as a post-COVID-19 condition. Patients, often young and previously healthy individuals, present with cardiac symptoms such as palpitations, elevated heart rates while standing, and increased blood pressure after contracting COVID-19. The diagnosis of POTS requires a detailed history and home monitoring of orthostatic vitals. Treatment focuses on lifestyle modifications including hydration, salt intake, and use of compression garments, with the goal of eventually improving exercise tolerance. Medications such as beta blockers may aid in symptom relief. Dr. Cutchens observes this post-viral form of POTS as a potentially self-limiting condition, albeit with variable recovery times, often requiring months.