What is POTS after COVID?

POTS after COVID means **postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome** that appears or worsens after a SARS-CoV-2 infection. It is a type of **dysautonomia** —a problem with the autonomic nervous system—that can cause a fast heart rate and symptoms when standing up.

Quick Scoop

POTS is not just “feeling tired after COVID.” It is a recognized syndrome where the heart rate rises excessively on standing, often along with **lightheadedness, palpitations, brain fog, fatigue, shortness of breath, headaches, and exercise intolerance**.

How it shows up

Common symptoms reported in post-COVID POTS include:

• Rapid heartbeat when standing or even with mild activity.

• Dizziness or near-fainting.

• Brain fog, fatigue, and trouble exercising.

• Nausea, headaches, tremor, and sleep problems in some people.

Why it happens

Researchers think COVID may trigger POTS through **immune dysregulation, nerve/autonomic dysfunction, or other post-viral mechanisms** , but the exact cause is still not fully known. Some reviews note that POTS has been increasingly reported after COVID and overlaps a lot with long COVID symptoms.

When to get checked

If someone has persistent dizziness, racing heart, fainting, chest discomfort, or severe fatigue after COVID, it is worth talking to a clinician, since POTS can be diagnosed and managed. A doctor may look at heart rate and blood pressure changes when standing and rule out other causes.

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Topic	Short answer
What it is	POTS is a disorder where standing causes an abnormally fast heart rate and related symptoms.
After COVID	It can begin after COVID infection as part of long COVID or post-viral dysautonomia.
Main symptoms	Dizziness, palpitations, fatigue, brain fog, and exercise intolerance.
What to do	Get medical evaluation if symptoms persist or affect daily life.

If you want, I can also explain **how POTS is diagnosed** , **how it differs from long COVID** , or **what treatments are commonly used**.