
COVID-19: A Growing Concern for Heart Health
Cardiologist Dr. Michael Malone has observed an increase in patients experiencing shortness of breath, palpitations, and a racing heart rate after recovering from COVID-19. Many of these patients were previously athletic and had no prior heart issues. The symptoms, which appear to be an autonomic dysfunction, are similar to postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS). Younger individuals, aged 20 to 30, have been reporting these symptoms. While there is still much to learn about COVID-19's impact on cardiovascular health, most patients have shown improvement within nine months to a year. Treatment primarily focuses on supportive care and maintaining hydration, with medication occasionally used to regulate heart rate. Seek medical attention if experiencing symptoms such as a racing heart, lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting. A recent study by the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center found that cardiovascular complications linked to COVID-19 have increased from 7% in March 2020 to nearly 10% in December 2021.




