What is POTS
What is Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS)?
Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) is a condition that affects how your body responds when you are upright.
It involves disruption to the autonomic nervous system, which controls automatic body functions like heart rate and blood pressure. In people with POTS, these responses don’t work as they should when moving to an upright position.
Key facts
- POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome) is a condition which results in people experiencing symptoms when they are upright, in addition to a broad range of symptoms that are not always related to body position.
- It is a disorder of the autonomic nervous system, which controls heart rate and blood pressure and many other automatic body functions including temperature regulation, tear and saliva production, digestion and movement through the bowel and bladder function.
- A key feature is a significant increase in heart rate on standing, often occurring with symptoms like dizziness, light-headedness and palpitations.
- Symptoms of this condition can affect multiple parts of the body and may include fatigue, palpitations, gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, headaches and difficulty concentrating.
- POTS is more common in women of childbearing age and affects women more often than men.
- It can develop after a trigger, such as a viral illness, surgery, or other stressors.
- Diagnosis is based on symptoms and heart rate changes when standing from lying down, usually checked with an Active Stand Test or Tilt Table Test.
- While there is no cure, treatment can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
- Many people improve over time with appropriate care and support.
What happens in POTS?
When you stand up, your body normally adjusts your heart rate and blood pressure to keep blood flowing to your brain.
In POTS, this adjustment is disrupted. This can cause your heart rate to rise much more than normal and lead to symptoms such as dizziness, light-headedness, feeling like you might faint or fainting, and difficulty thinking.
Many people feel better when they lie down.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms of POTS can vary from person to person and may come and go.
Common symptoms include:
- Feeling dizzy or light-headed when standing
- A fast or pounding heartbeat
- Fatigue or low energy
- Difficulty concentrating (“brain fog”)
- Headaches
- Nausea or other gastrointestinal symptoms
- Sleep difficulties
Some people may also feel more sensitive to heat or cold, notice changes in sweating, or have problems with their vision.
Who is affected?
POTS can affect anyone, but it is more commonly seen in women of childbearing age.
What causes POTS?
There isn’t a single cause of POTS. It can develop after a stress to the body, such as:
- A viral illness
- Surgery or injury
- Hormonal changes
- Concussion
It may also be linked with other medical conditions in some people.
How is POTS diagnosed?
POTS is diagnosed based on:
- Your symptoms
- Changes in heart rate when moving from lying down to standing, usually checked with an Active Stand Test or Tilt Table Test.
POTS can be diagnosed by a General Practitioner. In some cases, referral to a specialist such as a cardiologist is needed to assist with diagnosis and management.
Can POTS be treated?
There is no single cure for POTS, but treatment can help manage symptoms.
Care is usually tailored to the individual and may include:
- Drinking more fluids
- Increasing sodium intake (if advised by your doctor)
- Gradual exercise, tailored to each individual person
- Medications if needed
Living with POTS
POTS can have a significant impact on daily life, but many people improve over time with the right support and management. Working with your healthcare team can help you find strategies that suit your needs and goals.
Where can I find more information?
the Australian POTS Foundation
For more information on POTS please visit our partner organisation, the Australian POTS Foundation; https://potsfoundation.org.au/
Last updated31 July 2026