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Long COVID and POTS – What Your Patients Need to Know

Long COVID can lead to a condition called postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), which affects blood circulation and can cause symptoms like leg discoloration and increased heart rate. Here’s what you need to tell your patients about this condition and its link to long COVID.

HCN Healer Handbook – What to Say to Your Patients
“Your recent symptoms like leg discoloration and increased heart rate when standing could be related to a condition called POTS, which is increasingly being linked to long COVID. We can diagnose this with a simple at-home pulse test. Although there’s no cure, medications and lifestyle changes can help manage your symptoms. It’s important to be aware and take proactive steps.”

Key Points:

• Symptoms: Tingling, itchiness, and bluish discoloration in legs; abnormal increase in heart rate when standing.
• Diagnosis: POTS is diagnosed through a simple at-home pulse test.
• Prevalence: Affects 500,000 to 1 million people in the US, but is increasingly linked to long COVID.
• Treatment: No cure, but symptoms can be managed with medications like beta blockers and lifestyle changes.

About 28% of people infected with COVID-19 develop long-COVID symptoms, and 11% are left with persistent long COVID.

Additional Points:

• Autonomic Dysfunction: 67% of long COVID patients experience moderate to severe autonomic nervous system dysfunction.
• Home Care: Moderate physical activity, increased salt and water intake, and wearing compression stockings can help manage symptoms.

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