Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome
If standing makes you unwell, that pattern matters.
Feeling dizzy, faint, exhausted or aware of a racing heart when you stand can make ordinary activities difficult. At Mahila, assessment begins with how your symptoms change with posture and what else may be contributing.
01
POTS affects more than heart rate
POTS is a condition involving the autonomic nervous system, which regulates functions such as heart rate, blood pressure, temperature and digestion.
Symptoms often become worse when standing and may improve when lying down. They can affect concentration, mobility, work, study, exercise and the ability to manage daily tasks.
You may wish to discuss:
- 01
dizziness, light-headedness or feeling faint when upright
- 02
a racing heart or palpitations after standing
- 03
weakness, shaking or blurred vision
- 04
chest discomfort or breathlessness
- 05
fatigue, poor sleep or reduced exercise tolerance
- 06
headaches or brain fog
- 07
nausea, bloating, constipation or diarrhoea
- 08
symptoms that worsen with heat, prolonged standing or after illness
These symptoms can also occur with other conditions, so they do not confirm POTS by themselves.
02
Your POTS appointment
Understand what changes when you move from lying down to standing.
Your doctor may ask when symptoms began, what triggers them, how long they last and what improves them. The conversation may also include recent infections, medication, hydration, menstrual or hormonal changes, sleep, nutrition and other diagnosed conditions.
Assessment may involve measuring heart rate and blood pressure while lying down and standing. Depending on your circumstances, your doctor may recommend blood tests, heart tests or referral to a specialist to investigate other possible causes.
If available, bring previous test results and specialist reports, a list of medicines and supplements, and any notes about heart rate, blood pressure, symptoms and triggers. Wearable device information can add context but does not establish a diagnosis by itself.
03
Diagnosis requires more than a fast heart rate
A POTS diagnosis considers a sustained change in heart rate after standing, the symptoms that occur with it and whether another condition better explains the findings.
Other causes of dizziness, palpitations and fatigue may need to be assessed. These can include dehydration, anaemia, medication effects, thyroid concerns, low blood pressure and heart rhythm problems.
04
Management and coordinated care
Management is individual and may include changes to hydration, salt intake, compression garments, temperature management, movement and physical reconditioning. These strategies are not suitable for everyone and should be discussed in the context of your health.
Some people may need medication or specialist care. Your GP may help monitor symptoms, review treatment and coordinate care with a cardiologist, neurologist, physiotherapist, exercise physiologist or another clinician.
Related care
Related care at Mahila
MCASClinical assessment and ongoing care for symptoms that may be associated with mast cell activation.Read more
Chronic Fatigue SyndromeCare for persistent fatigue and related symptoms, with attention to their wider effect on daily life.Read more
Gut HealthAssessment of ongoing digestive symptoms and the health factors that may be contributing to them.Read more
SIBOInvestigation and treatment planning for suspected or diagnosed small intestinal bacterial overgrowth.Read more
DysbiosisCare for symptoms that may be associated with an imbalance in the gut microbiome.Read more
Appointment length
Choose the appointment type that matches where you are in your care. Exact fees follow the medical consultation fee schedule unless a service page states a different confirmed fee.
New patients
45-minute consultation
Returning patients (follow-up)
Up to 20 minutes. If the consultation runs longer, an additional fee may be charged.
Medical consultation fees are listed below. Confirm appointment and fee details with reception when booking.
Medical consultation fees
Mahila Women's Clinic is a private billing practice. The following medical consultation fees apply unless a service page states a different confirmed fee.
A Medicare rebate may apply to an eligible medical consultation. The item billed depends on the service provided, the actual consultation time, the clinician and Medicare requirements.
Procedures, pathology, imaging, products, equipment and other services may involve additional costs. Relevant additional fees should be shown on the individual service page or discussed before the service is provided.
| Consultation length | Clinic fee |
|---|---|
| Less than 20 minutes | $150 |
| Up to 30 minutes | $280 |
| Up to 45 minutes | $380 |
| 60 minutes or longer | $450 |
Talk with a doctor about your concerns.
Book an appointment at Mahila Women's Clinic in Camberwell.