In a new study out of the University of California San Diego School of Medicine, researchers found a drug used for heart failure improves symptoms associated with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome, otherwise known as POTS. This complex debilitating disorder affects the body’s autonomic nervous system, causing a high heart rate, usually when standing.

POTS is typically caused by a viral infection, trauma, surgery, or enforced bed rest, and most commonly affects young women who are either athletes or highly active. Currently, there is no FDA-approved treatment for POTS and the condition can severely impact quality of life. Other symptoms of POTS include “brain fog”, lightheadedness, palpitations, tremors, weakness, blurry vision, and fatigue.  Recently, POTS has been identified as a potential “long-hauler” symptom of COVID-19.

The authors of the study hope ivabradine will be considered as a possible treatment option for those with a confirmed diagnosis of POTS. Currently, the drug is not FDA-approved for the disease and when used clinically it would be “off-label” use. Stay the course, stay well, mask up, get vaccinated, stay tuned!