Hackensack University Medical Center Studying Beta Blocker Treatment for Long COVID-19 Syndrome

Study Enrolling Patients Experiencing Shortness of Breath, Fatigue and Tachycardia with Specific Drug Regimen

Hackensack University Medical Center’s Heart and Vascular Hospital is enrolling patients in a study to treat long COVID-19 Syndrome.

Patients with shortness of breath, fatigue and tachycardia will be treated with a specifically designed regimen of beta blockers. The response to this commonly used medication will be monitored with exercise and echocardiographic testing, with follow-up provided by members of the division of cardiology at Hackensack University Medical Center.

The treatment study follows research presented by its lead investigator David B. Landers, M.D., FACC, FSCAI, associate director of cardiology, Heart and Vascular Hospital and executive director, Cardiovascular Partners, at the academic medical center, at the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions in November 2021.

The prior study, “Prospective Analysis of Vascular Resistance in Patients with Persistent Tachycardia and or Dyspnea on Exertion in the Post Acute Sequela of Covid-19 Syndrome,” showed that some long COVID-19 patients may have disruptions in the regulation of blood vessel size and caliber. As such the resistance may at times be inappropriately high which makes it more difficult for the heart to pump blood throughout the body. This diminished blood flow can produce shortness of breath, fast heart rates, fatigue and chest pain.

Learn more about groundbreaking cardiac care happening at Hackensack University Medical Center.