Mechanisms of Post COVID-19 Tachycardia Syndrome
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial tests a device that sends mild electrical signals to the ear to help people with long-term symptoms after COVID-19. It focuses on those who have ongoing issues like a fast heartbeat and dizziness. The device aims to reduce inflammation and improve these symptoms by stimulating a nerve that helps control these functions.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial requires that participants do not use certain medications, such as chronic steroids, NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), and biologics like anti-IL6 and anti-TNF-alpha drugs. If you are taking these, you may need to stop before joining the trial.
Is the treatment for post-COVID-19 tachycardia syndrome safe for humans?
The studies reviewed focus on understanding heart rate variability and autonomic nervous system function in post-COVID-19 patients, but they do not provide specific safety data for a treatment. They suggest that the effects of COVID-19 on heart function may decrease over time, but no direct safety information about a treatment is available.12345
How does the treatment for post-COVID-19 tachycardia syndrome differ from other treatments?
The treatment for post-COVID-19 tachycardia syndrome is unique because it focuses on addressing autonomic dysfunction, which is a key factor in this condition. Unlike standard treatments, it may involve a combination of lifestyle changes, heart rate-lowering medications like ivabradine or β-blockers, and supportive measures such as compression stockings and increased salt and fluid intake. This approach is tailored to manage the specific symptoms and underlying mechanisms associated with post-COVID-19 autonomic dysfunction.13678
What data supports the effectiveness of this treatment for post-COVID-19 tachycardia syndrome?
The research suggests that post-COVID-19 patients with symptoms like tachycardia (fast heart rate) and orthostatic intolerance (difficulty standing up without feeling dizzy) may benefit from treatments that include heart rate-lowering medications and lifestyle changes, such as increasing salt and fluid intake. These approaches have shown potential in managing similar symptoms in non-COVID-related conditions.13679
Who Is on the Research Team?
Cyndya A Shibao, MD
Principal Investigator
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for individuals who previously had COVID-19 and now suffer from a condition called post-COVID-19 POTS, characterized by rapid heartbeat when standing up and symptoms like dizziness lasting over 3 months. It's not for those with heart disease, on certain medications like steroids or biologics, post-menopausal women, pregnant or breastfeeding people, those with liver issues, seizure history, recent cardiovascular procedures, substance abuse problems, severe mental conditions, stroke history or impaired kidney function.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants receive chronic transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation (tVNS) for 28 days
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Autonomic Symptoms assessment
- Determine the inflammatory and immune profile of post-COVID-19 POTS patients
- Measurement of PNS activity by HRV (Heart rate Variation)
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Lead Sponsor
American Heart Association
Collaborator