Postural Tachycardia Syndrome (PoTS) Clinic Surrey

If you’re searching for a PoTS clinic in Surrey, you’re likely dealing with frustrating symptoms such as dizziness, fatigue, or a racing heart when standing. For many people, these symptoms go undiagnosed for years, often being confused with anxiety or low blood pressure. But for those with Postural Tachycardia Syndrome (PoTS), getting the right diagnosis and support can make a significant difference in quality of life.

What Is PoTS?

Postural Tachycardia Syndrome, or PoTS, is a condition that affects how your heart and nervous system respond to standing up. In simple terms, your heart rate increases too much when you go from lying down to standing often by more than 30 beats per minute, or to above 120 bpm and this change happens without a significant drop in blood pressure.

This abnormal heart rate response can cause symptoms such as:

• Dizziness or light-headedness

• Palpitations (a fast or pounding heart)

• Fatigue (often severe)

• Brain fog or trouble concentrating

• Nausea

• Sweating

• Fainting or near-fainting episodes

Symptoms tend to improve when lying down, which is a key feature of the condition.

Who Is Most at Risk?

PoTS can affect anyone but is most commonly seen in:

• Women aged 15–50

• People recovering from a viral illness or long COVID

• Individuals with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS)

• Those with autoimmune conditions

• Patients who have been on long-term bed rest

Although it is more common in young women, men and children can also develop the condition. Because symptoms can overlap with other issues like anxiety or hormonal changes, PoTS is often missed or misdiagnosed which is why access to a specialist PoTS clinic in Surrey is so important.

How Is PoTS Diagnosed?

The diagnosis typically starts with a detailed medical history and review of symptoms. From there, testing is used to confirm the condition.

Key diagnostic tests include:

• Active stand test: Monitoring heart rate and blood pressure while lying down, then standing. A rise in heart rate of over 30 bpm within 10 minutes can indicate PoTS.

• 24-hour ECG monitoring: To rule out other arrhythmias.

• Blood tests: To exclude other causes such as anaemia or thyroid issues.

These tests may be offered through a cardiology clinic or autonomic function specialist. In Surrey, patients often benefit from access to both private and NHS diagnostic options.

PoTS Clinic Services in Surrey

A PoTS clinic in Surrey will typically offer:

• Initial consultation with a cardiologist or autonomic specialist

• Tilt testing or stand testing to confirm diagnosis (although this is not as common now)

• Blood pressure and ECG monitoring

• Screening for associated conditions like hEDS or autoimmune disease

• Personalised treatment planning

Private clinics may offer shorter wait times and access to more detailed investigations, while the NHS pathway remains free but may involve a referral and a longer wait.

Is PoTS Dangerous?

While PoTS isn’t usually life-threatening, it can be debilitating. Many patients report that it affects their ability to work, study, or carry out daily tasks. However, the condition can be managed with the right care. In some cases, symptoms may improve significantly or even resolve over time.

What Treatments Are Available?

There’s no single treatment for PoTS, but a combination of strategies usually helps. Treatment often includes lifestyle changes and medication, depending on the severity of symptoms.

Common treatment approaches include:

A specialist PoTS clinic in Surrey will tailor these options to your individual case.

What Happens After Diagnosis?

Once you’ve been diagnosed, your treatment plan will be based on your symptoms, triggers, and any co-existing conditions. Most patients have regular follow-up appointments to assess progress, adjust medication, and support recovery.

In some cases, the clinic may refer you to additional specialists, such as:

• Neurologists (for other types of dysautonomia)

• Rheumatologists (for autoimmune screening)

• Physiotherapists experienced in PoTS rehab

• Dietitians for support with fatigue and hydration

A joined-up approach often gets the best results.

NHS vs Private What’s the Difference?

In Surrey, you can access PoTS diagnosis and care through both the NHS and private clinics. Here’s a simple breakdown of how they compare:

Both options are valid, and some patients choose to begin privately for speed, then continue under the NHS.

What If I’ve Been Misdiagnosed?

Unfortunately, many patients are told their symptoms are simply anxiety or stress. While PoTS can feel like anxiety, especially with palpitations and dizziness, it’s a real medical condition. A specialist clinic will recognise these signs and treat them with the seriousness they deserve. If you’ve previously been misdiagnosed, it’s not too late to seek a second opinion. A PoTS clinic in Surrey can carry out the proper testing and help you move forward with clarity and support.

Can I Recover from PoTS?

The outlook varies. Some people experience significant improvement over time, especially with early diagnosis and the right adjustments. Others may manage PoTS long-term but still lead full, active lives.

Key to recovery is ongoing support, self-management, and a multidisciplinary care team that understands the condition. Whether you’re newly diagnosed or still looking for answers, having a supportive clinical team can make all the difference.

Summary

PoTS is a challenging condition, but one that can be properly managed with the right care. If you’ve been living with unexplained dizziness, rapid heart rate, fatigue, or brain fog especially when standing then a PoTS clinic in Surrey could be the right place to get a diagnosis and begin treatment. Understanding your body, being listened to, and receiving evidence-based care are all key parts of getting better. Whether through the NHS or private care, finding a specialist who understands PoTS is the first step.