CINCINNATI (WKRC) – If you feel dizzy when you stand up, you may have a complication that can follow a COVID-19 diagnosis.
The heart team at Christ Hospital says one of the complications that can follow is called POTS.
“POTS stands for Postural Tachycardia Syndrome. It is a problem or disease process in which a person’s body cannot tolerate the change from a lying or sitting position to a standing position as usual,” said cardiologist Dr. Thomas O’Brien.
Dr Thomas O’Brien, from the heart and vascular team at Christ Hospital, says this can lead to uncertainty.
What happens is that your heart beats faster than normal when you go from sitting or lying down to standing up.
“Dizziness, lightheadedness, maybe sweating, maybe a feeling of discomfort in the stomach.”
Because these symptoms are common, Dr. O’Brien says you should pay attention to when symptoms appear.
If they change when you change your position, that’s an indication it might be POTS. He says if you have a smartwatch, pay attention to your heart rhythm. If it’s not normal, that could also be related to POTS.
“Most of these people are sensitive to fluid levels and need to drink extra fluids. They may need salty snacks or a fluid with high electrolyte content to maintain hydration in their vascular system.”
He also says this can happen due to blood pooling in the lower legs, so compression stockings can be helpful. He says if lifestyle changes don’t help, you should ask your doctor for a referral to a cardiologist.
Click HERE for a link to the Christ Heart and Vascular Center team if needed.
