Postural Tachycardia Syndrome (PoTS)
Postural tachycardia syndrome (PoTS) is a common, under-recognised and debilitating condition that most commonly affects older children and young adults. Due to an abnormal nervous system response, sufferers' bodies struggle to adjust to standing upright. This results in multiple debilitating symptoms, including lightheadedness, palpitations, fatigue, nausea and fainting.
Affected people struggle to attend school, university and work.
PoTS is often misdiagnosed and has been dismissed by healthcare professionals over many years. It is commonly associated with Long Covid, ME/CFS, hypermobility, MCAS and other conditions. It is one of few aspects of these conditions that is amenable to treatment.
Despite being a common condition there are no patient care pathways in the UK, and many regions have no specialist services at all.
Recognising PoTS as an NHS priority would facilitate equitable access to healthcare, and support the development of national guidelines, and care pathways in every region of the UK.
PoTS UK
PoTS UK is the national charity supporting and educating patients, family, friends and healthcare professionals within the United Kingdom about this under-recognised and commonly misdiagnosed condition.
We work with healthcare professionals and other charities in the UK and abroad to advocate for our members by seeking better NHS services, more research, and targeted treatments for people with Postural Tachycardia Syndrome.
We are passionate about our peer support programme and aim to connect patients in a safe environment to empower them to self-manage their condition and reduce isolation.
We produce evidence-based educational content for healthcare professionals which will improve awareness of PoTS, diagnosis and management, and improve health services for patients.