Orthostatic and Exercise Intolerance in Recreational and Competitive Athletes With Long COVID
Prashant Rao1, David C Peritz2, David Systrom3
1Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
JACC. Case Reports
|September 12, 2022
Summary
Athletes experiencing post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC) often have orthostatic intolerance. Graded exercise may help manage these cardiovascular and performance challenges in athletes.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Sports Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Post-acute sequelae of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (PASC) presents unique challenges for athletes focused on cardiovascular performance.
- Orthostatic intolerance is a significant concern for athletes recovering from PASC, impacting their ability to compete.
Observation:
- This case series explores the intersection of PASC and orthostatic intolerance in athletic individuals.
- Diagnostic difficulties in identifying PASC-related orthostatic intolerance among athletes are highlighted.
Findings:
- A notable overlap exists between PASC symptoms and orthostatic intolerance in the athletic population.
- The study identifies challenges in diagnosing this condition in athletes.
Implications:
- Graded exercise training emerges as a potential therapeutic strategy for athletes with PASC and orthostatic intolerance.
- Understanding these overlaps is crucial for effective athlete rehabilitation and return to competition.
Keywords:
COVID-19, coronavirus disease-2019CPET, cardiopulmonary exercise testECG, electrocardiogramPASC, post-acute sequelae of severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 infectionPOTS, postural orthostatic tachycardia syndromeVE/VCO2 slope, minute ventilation/carbon dioxide production slopeexerciselethargylifestyleshortness of breathstroke volumetachycardia
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