Episode 46: Dr David Strain – HRV, vaccines and genetics

Dr. David Strain has brought his expertise from older adult medicine, diabetes, stroke and ME / CFS to his extensive research and clinical practise working with Long Covid patients.

With the ability to boil down complex medical theory and research into very comprehensible explanations, Strain explains Heart Rate Variability (HRV) and how we can use it to monitor and potentially manage our symptoms.  He talks us through vagal tone, the impact of vaccines and COVID-19 strains on Long Covid and we ask whether the increased incidence of strokes, diabetes, dementia and heart attacks could all be classified as a version of Long Covid.

We discuss Dr. Strain’s current research into genetics and the role they might play in the development of Long Covid and our ability to treat the condition.  They are currently collecting genetic data through the Sano GOLD study and he calls for those listening to register (here) for genetic testing to be part of the study which could help lead us to the first gene-specific healthcare.  They are particularly in need of data from different ethnic minorities affected by Long Covid.

Dr David Strain is a Senior Clinical Lecturer at the University of Exeter Medical School, clinical lead of the Diabetes and Vascular Research Centre and an honorary consultant for Devon NHS Trust. He is also a contributor to the NHS long COVID Taskforce and the All-Party Parliamentary Group long COVID meetings and Chair of the BMA’s board of medical academic staff committee