Thread by @Sunny_Rae1

Continuing on todays theme of Post-Covid cardiovascular complications, I’ve had several messages from individuals who are suffering from racing heart rates after Covid - thought I should post a general thread (not specific medical advice which I can’t give over internet) about….

….post Covid dysautonomia. Racing heart rates after Covid are commonly described. These often very fast palpitations can be very disability, make you feel breathless, shaky and lightheaded, especially on standing and can be frightening….

…..the cause of these palpitations should be investigated as they can happen for different reasons. Broadly speaking, after Covid (ie not the acute infectious stage) they are most likely caused by either dysautonomia or dyssrhythmia, although there are other causes….

…..I’m going to give some general information on dysautonomia here. Covid can disrupt the autonomic nervous system - those are the nerves that control bodily functions “automatically” such as the control of your heart rate, blood pressure, temperature regulation, sleep etc….

…..cardiovascular dysautonomia refers to a problem with heart rate and/or blood pressure control & can cause the following conditions: 1) POTs (postural orthostatic tacycardia syndrome) 2) IST (inappropriate sinus tachycardia) 3) postural hypotension 4) postural hypertension….

….and 5) orthostatic intolerance. If a long Covid sufferer has noticed really bad palpitations with a fast racing heart rate when they stand up, or walk just a few steps this might be POTs or IST and could be part of post Covid dysautonomia (PCD). There are tests to look for….

…..this. A resting 12 lead ECG in PCD may be normal, but a NASA lean test may not be. If IST present, the heart rate on a HR monitor will be much higher than physiologically expected for the minimal degree of exertion the individual is doing. There are tests..

….to diagnose these conditions and to exclude other causes. And although there is no “cure” there are treatments available that can significantly improve your symptoms and reduce your level of functional impairment so please don’t suffer in silence….