Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS)

Early Recognition and Advocacy from a Nursing and Midwifery Perspective

This session is designed to equip you with the knowledge and tools to understand the underlying mechanisms of POTS and how it presents in different patient populations. We will also explore how nurses and midwives can recognise the often subtle and varied symptom patterns of POTS that are frequently misattributed to psychological causes. 
CPD HOURS: 1
 Registration Year 2025/2026

Course Content

Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) is a complex form of autonomic dysfunction that causes a range of life-altering symptoms, including rapid heart rate upon standing, dizziness, fatigue, and brain fog. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a noticeable increase in POTS cases, particularly among young women. There has also been a noticeable rise in the number of pregnant women presenting with POTS, highlighting the need for greater awareness among maternity care providers to ensure safe, tailored support throughout pregnancy, birth, and the postnatal period.

Yet despite growing awareness, many patients continue to face long delays in diagnosis—often being misdiagnosed with anxiety or panic disorders. As nurses and midwives you are on the front line of patient care and play a crucial role in early recognition, triage, and advocacy. Your observations, assessments, and clinical judgment can significantly alter the trajectory of care for someone struggling with unexplained or misunderstood symptoms.

This webinar is designed to equip you with the knowledge and tools to understand the underlying mechanisms of POTS and how it presents in different patient populations. We will also explore how nurses and midwives can recognise the often subtle and varied symptom patterns of POTS that are frequently misattributed to psychological causes. You’ll learn how to distinguish between POTS and anxiety-related conditions—an essential step in avoiding misdiagnosis and ensuring patients receive appropriate care.

With this knowledge you will be better equipped to advocate for further investigations, and how to support patients through education, reassurance, and evidence-based symptom management. Importantly, we’ll address the psychosocial impact of living with an invisible and often misunderstood condition, and discuss how holistic, person-centred nursing care can help meet both the physical and emotional needs of these patients.

By building your confidence in identifying and responding to POTS, you can help shorten the time to diagnosis, reduce patient suffering, and support better long-term outcomes. This is an opportunity to strengthen your practice, challenge diagnostic assumptions, and be a vital advocate for a population that too often goes unheard.

Why this Session may be Relevant to your Work

In order to advocate for my patients it is important that I am able to recognise the often subtle and varied symptom patterns of POTS that are frequently misattributed to psychological causes. This will lead to a quicker diagnosis and treatment leading to enhanced quality of life for the patient.

Learning Outcomes

In this session, you will:
  • Define Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome and explain its diagnostic criteria, and testing methods
  • Explore the common symptoms and co-morbidities associated with POTS
  • Gain an understanding of the challenges in diagnosing POTS
  • Review the psychosocial impact of POTS and identify ways nurses can support and advocate for patients 

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Anne Evans-Murray

R.N., BHlthSc, MACCCN, Grad.Dip Ed, MEd, Dip Counselling, GradCertCritCare, CertIV Training and Assessment, CertIV in Mediation
Anne has a passion for teaching which she does in an unpretentious way that ensures you will not only understand and retain what she presents but will enjoy this learning experience. She has extensive experience of over 26 years lecturing for Gold Coast Health District and Griffith University.