POTS cardiologist /specialist in South West

edartmoor

Hi, I'm pretty sure I have POTS (postural tachycardia syndrome) in addition to my long term M.E/CFS. (Get dizzy standing, obsessed with finding chairs, heart going nuts and passed POTS criteria for Nasa lean test). I see GP later this week.

I'd be very grateful for advice on:

• Are cardiologists familiar with POTS, and is it worth being referred to one? Have heard that many think POTS is just women making a fuss ☹and had enough medical gas lighting with the M.E!!
• any recommended specialists in South West - NHS (or go private although I may not be able to afford that)

Any experiences or advice welcome

Thank you ❤

Best wishes

Ellie

Needhelpandadvice

Ellie,

Firstly the South West is a large place. However, Taunton Musgrove is good, Bristol or Exeter are the main hospitals, large ones. Bridgwater, nah, Weston, nah.

As POTS is related to the heart, I am pretty sure they will know what they are doing. If you go in with two legs, and you only come out with one, obviously you saw the wrong Doctor.

You could try a Bupa membership, get in and see them, and then cancel the membership after you have seen them if that is faster than the NHS waiting list. BUPA advertises for about £20 a month or something like that I think, I could be wrong so please check first.

Here is a quick Artificial Intelligence search, however always seek proper medical advice, and never listen to a search engine, or AI. The last time I used Google for self diagnosis, I was eight months pregnant, it has been twenty years now and I still have not given birth ;)

Postural Tachycardia Syndrome (PoTS), also known as Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome, is a condition where your heart rate increases significantly when you move from lying down to standing up. This can lead to symptoms like dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, palpitations, and fatigue12.

Symptoms

• Dizziness or light-headedness
• Fainting or near fainting
• Heart palpitations
• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Fatigue
• Brain fog (difficulty thinking, memory issues)
• Digestive issues (nausea, diarrhea, constipation)
• Purple hands and feet (more noticeable in lighter skin tones)

Causes

The exact cause of PoTS isn’t well understood, but it can develop suddenly or gradually. It may be linked to other conditions like diabetes or Ehlers-Danlos syndrome2.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis typically involves measuring heart rate and blood pressure changes when moving from lying down to standing. Additional tests like blood tests, urine tests, and heart monitoring may be required1.

Treatment

Treatment often includes lifestyle changes such as increasing fluid and salt intake, wearing compression stockings, and avoiding triggers like heat and alcohol. Medications like beta blockers, steroids, and SSRIs may also be prescribed to manage symptoms13.

If you suspect you have PoTS, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

Is there anything specific you’d like to know more about regarding PoTS?

edartmoor

Hello, thanks so much for your reply I really appreciate it. That's very useful (and temporary bupa membership is something I hadn't thought of). I've decided to see the Autonomic Unit in Queens Square London for one private appointment as a starting point, local Exeter and Plymouth hospitals having said they don't specialise. Thanks again!

Albus_Scope

I just wanted to add to this by saying BUPA won't cover long standing conditions, only ones that appear after you start your bupa membership. The prices can also vary wildly depending on preexisting conditions.
Best of luck with Queens Square London. 😊