Scientists and physicians have long believed postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome, commonly known as POTS, could be brought on by viral infections. The Epstein-Barr virus in particular has been posited as a possible trigger for the syndrome, which is characterized by an inability to regulate BP and HR. The UToledo study, however, points to the COVID-19 pandemic causing an unprecedented acceleration in what was once thought to be a relatively rare condition. It also suggests, the researchers say, that many patients suffering from what clinicians have broadly called long COVID may actually have POTS. "We've suspected for several years now that there is an association between COVID and POTS. I'm seeing this in my own clinic. My waiting list is longer than it has ever been," said Dr. Blair Grubb, a UToledo Health cardiologist who has treated and studied POTS for more than three decades. "Now we have the data to back that up. This study helps give validity and voice to these patients, and it gives us a treatable target." LINK
