Chanika Assavarittirong
Conference 2022 Poster Presentation
Project title
Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome: a potential post-COVID-19 complication
Authors and Affiliations
Chanika Assavarittirong1 & Tsz Yuen Au1
1. Center of Medical Education in English, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
Abstract
Background
Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) refers to a condition when exaggerated heart rate increases in response to upright posture with the absence of orthostatic hypotension. Although POTS showed no evidence of fatality, the symptoms could be disabling and could potentially affect the patients’ quality of life. During the COVID-19 pandemic, there are an increasing number of case reports claiming that COVID-19 could potentially cause POTS.
Methods
Clinical cases published in PubMed were compiled in this study. A total of 34 suspected COVID-19-induced POTS cases were analyzed.
Results
The median age of onset was 37 and 37.5 years old in males and females, respectively. 75% of the recorded patients were female. 50% were unable to work during the symptom onset. Up to 60% of patients reported disabling symptoms such as dyspnea, fatigue, and postural tachycardia. Chest pain/tightness was observed in 22% of patients.
Conclusions
Suspected COVID-19-induced POTS were observed in middle-aged individuals and we suggested that females are more susceptible to the condition. Large scale retrospective cohort study is recommended to confirm the tendency and susceptibility of suspected COVID-19-induced POTS.