What is POTS?

Living With POTS

Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) is a complex and often misunderstood condition that affects the autonomic nervous system—the system responsible for regulating essential functions like heart rate, breathing, and digestion. When this system doesn’t work as it should, it can lead to a wide range of symptoms that may appear unrelated, making diagnosis challenging.

Sometimes POTS is referred to as dysautonomia, which is an umbrella term for multiple conditions that affect the autonomic nervous system.

The Impact of POTS

%

of Australians with POTS 
are forced to permanently quit their jobs.

On average people see Six doctors before diagnosis.

%

report symptoms were dismissed as anxiety.

K

people are living with POTS in Australia.

%

attend an Emergency Department on average 5
times prior to diagnosis.

%

face moderate to extreme limitations in performing daily activities.

%

of people with POTS report a family member or friend has permanently quit their job to help care for them.

Yrs

the average time Australians wait for a POTS diagnosis.

Advocacy in Parliament

Our CEO and Scientific Chair addressed Federal Parliament at the Missing School event (2025), advocating for young people with POTS.

ICD Code Milestone

From 1 July 2025, Australia will have its own International Classification of Diseases code for POTS (G90.81) — a major step forward in recognition and care, successfully advocated for by the Australian POTS Foundation.

Churchill Fellowship Awarded

Dr Marie-Claire Seeley has been awarded a Health Department–sponsored Churchill Fellowship. In 2026 she will travel internationally to advance autonomic testing techniques, bringing back knowledge to improve diagnosis and management of POTS and post-viral conditions in Australia.

Australian POTS Foundation Converge National Conference

Registrations open October. The Australian POTS Foundation Converge National Conference will be held in Adelaide, 4–5 June 2026.

  • Thursday: Health Professionals
  • Friday: Community Day

 

Find out more

HealthPathways Published

The first POTS HealthPathways have been published in Western Victoria and Western Queensland Public Health Networks. Driven by the Australian POTS Foundation, this milestone gives more GPs access to clear assessment and treatment pathways.

APF at HealthEd Conferences

The Australian POTS Foundation hosted its first stands at HealthEd conferences, providing GPs with education on recognising, diagnosing, and managing POTS in primary care.

Making real change
for people with POTS

I have POTS

Living with POTS presents challenges, but effective management strategies can help improve quality of life. Treatment approaches typically involve lifestyle modifications, medication, supportive measures, and avoidance of triggers. To learn more about living with POTS, follow the link below.

LEARN MORE
POTS for Practitioners

Many people with POTS experience long delays before receiving a diagnosis. Clinicians can play a crucial role in reducing this delay and improving patient care. Learn more about recognising and managing POTS by following the link below.

LEARN MORE

Making real change for people with POTS

Advocate

Spread the word and help raise awareness.

Volunteer

Make a difference by volunteering with the Australian POTS Foundation.

Donate

Contribute financially to help people living with POTS.

Become a Member

Join us in championing 
the needs of the Australian POTS Community.

Our Partners

ShopMembersClinician Directory