Patient-Centered Paradigm for Managing Autonomic Long COVID Symptoms During Sports and Exercise

Abstract

This report highlights a new, patient-centered paradigm for managing post-COVID-19 dysautonomia symptoms during sports and exercise. The patient was a healthcare worker exposed before vaccination. She experienced postural orthostatic tachycardia plus exertional tachycardia, with postexertional fatigue, beginning a few weeks after testing positive for COVID-19. Stress test, echo, and an extensive dysautonomia evaluation were negative. Recommended nonpharmacological and pharmacological interventions were poorly tolerated. Prescription of a novel regimen of "basal-dose"ivabradine, plus very low-dose metoprolol according to an exertional "sliding scale"managed symptoms to an acceptable level for work and recreation.