Professor Lesley Kavi on supporting people with postural tachycardia syndrome (PoTS)

In this episode, GP Professor Lesley Kavi (chairperson of the charity PoTS UK) talks to Dawn Liz Powell about diagnosing and managing postural tachycardia syndrome (PoTS) in primary care. Professor Kavi explains that PoTS refers to an abnormal response to an upright posture - defined as a persistent increase in heart rate of more than 30 beats per minute (40 beats per minute in children) upon standing.
While the exact aetiology of PoTS is not known, it can occur after a virus (such as COVID) and is strongly associated with joint hypermobility syndrome.
The condition can cause a range of symptoms, including (but not limited to) fatigue, dizziness, syncope, and brain fog. This can make diagnosis difficult, with Professor Kavi noting that many people with PoTS attend several medical appointments without getting a clear diagnosis or are categorised as having ‘medically unexplained symptoms’.
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Please note:
This podcast is intended for healthcare professionals. If you are a person with PoTS, or suspect you have PoTS, the information in this episode should not be seen as a replacement for medical advice from a trained professional. Please consult with your doctor before making any changes to your lifestyle and/or to any medications you may be taking.
This podcast is presented by medical editors and discusses educational content written or presented by doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals on the MIMS Learning website and at live events.
In this interview, Professor Kavi refers to ‘CFS/ME’. However, the term is now ‘ME/CFS’.