The Hidden Vein Problem Behind Long COVID, POTS, and Pelvic Pain

What if symptoms like brain fog, fatigue, heart racing, pelvic pain, and orthostatic intolerance have a vascular connection that is being overlooked?In this episode of The Long Haul with Summer, Summer sits down with interventional radiologist Dr. Brooke Spencer to explore pelvic venous disease, iliac vein compression, and the emerging research into their potential connection with Long COVID and POTS.Dr. Spencer explains why the venous system has historically received less attention than the arterial system, how impaired venous return and venous pooling may contribute to symptoms across multiple organ systems, and why vascular compression can sometimes be missed on conventional imaging. She also discusses ongoing research, the limitations of what is currently known, and why better data, education, and collaboration are essential as physicians work to understand these complex patients.Summer also shares her own experience after an earlier scan was read as normal, and why looking at imaging in the context of the patient’s symptoms can make such a significant difference.Learn more about the Microvascular Research Foundation and how you can help at https://mvresearch.org/