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MEDTECH A rise in incidence of this crippling autonomic nervous system illness is driving the development of novel therapies.
The COVID-19 pandemic brings to light an escalation in the incidence of postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), a perplexing disorder marked by a significant surge in heart rate when standing. This report delves into the challenging reality for POTS patients, unmasking the intricate facets of this enigmatic syndrome amid the pandemic and vaccine era.
Key Points:
- POTS, part of the wider dysautonomia disorders, is characterized by a significant increase in heart rate when a person moves from sitting or lying to standing.
- Symptoms are varied, including fatigue, headaches, heart palpitations, nausea, cognitive disturbances, and must persist for at least three months.
- POTS impacts about 6 million Americans, a number that has doubled since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to Dysautonomia International.
- There has been a marked increase in referrals to POTS clinics since the pandemic and a considerable number of cases report symptoms post-COVID infection or vaccine.
- Global case reports suggest a trend of individuals developing POTS after mRNA COVID-19 vaccinations.
- A study found a 33% increase in the likelihood of developing POTS post-vaccination, but a higher risk after SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Additional Points:
- Patients face a six-year average delay before receiving a correct POTS diagnosis.
- The debilitating nature of POTS frequently results in reduced employment and economic loss for individuals and their caregivers.
- Treatment for POTS is highly individual and can include fluid intake, physical therapy, dietary modifications, medication, compression stockings, and counseling.
- A shift towards holistic treatment approaches aims to target the root causes of POTS, integrating biofeedback, specialized supplements, and low-inflammatory diets.
Conclusion:
- COVID-19 and its associated vaccines may contribute to the rise in POTS cases. Although the precise cause of post-COVID POTS remains uncertain, emerging research indicates potential connections. The integration of conventional and alternative treatments is paving the way for improved patient outcomes.
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“I can’t drive. I tire very quickly and have heart pain and lack of breath when carrying out tasks. I can’t do simple things like emptying the shopping or the dishwasher without passing out. I have lost most of my independence.”
Phoebe Eaton
POTS Sufferer & 25-Year-Old Teacher in Training
