Living with PoTS: Why an Awareness Card Can Help

Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome, or PoTS, is a condition that affects the autonomic nervous system. People with PoTS experience an abnormal increase in heart rate when moving from sitting or lying down to standing. This sudden spike in heart rate can lead to dizziness, lightheadedness, heart palpitations, and even fainting.

Daily life with PoTS can be unpredictable. Some people find they have good days where symptoms are manageable, while others struggle with persistent fatigue and dizziness. Simple tasks like standing in a queue, walking up stairs, or even taking a shower can cause symptoms to flare up. Many people with PoTS also experience brain fog, making concentration and memory more difficult.

Since PoTS isn’t widely recognised, explaining it to others can be challenging. Many people assume dizziness or fainting is due to dehydration or anxiety rather than an underlying medical condition. This is where an awareness card can be useful.

Why a PoTS Awareness Card Can Make a Difference

Carrying a PoTS awareness card can help in situations where symptoms appear suddenly, and you need assistance or understanding. The card provides a clear statement that you have PoTS, making it easier to explain why you might need to sit down, rest, or avoid standing for long periods.

Some of the key benefits of having a PoTS awareness card include:

• Quickly informing others – If you feel unwell in a shop, on public transport, or in a crowded place, showing your card can help people understand your situation.
• Avoiding misunderstandings – Since PoTS symptoms can sometimes mimic anxiety or panic attacks, a card helps explain that your condition is medical, not emotional.
• Gaining support in public spaces – Staff in shops, restaurants, and public transport are more likely to offer a seat, allow access to priority queues, or provide assistance if they understand you have a medical condition.
• Helping during medical emergencies – If you faint or feel extremely unwell, bystanders and first responders will see that PoTS is a known condition rather than assuming it's a temporary issue.

Many people with PoTS experience anxiety about going out in case symptoms become overwhelming. The fear of fainting in public, struggling to stand, or feeling unwell without others understanding can lead to avoiding social events or everyday tasks.

Having a PoTS awareness card can help reduce this anxiety. Knowing that you have a way to communicate your condition without needing to explain it in detail can make outings feel less stressful. If you need to ask for a seat, skip a queue, or request assistance, having a card makes it easier.

For those who are newly diagnosed, carrying a card can also be a confidence boost. Adjusting to life with PoTS takes time, and knowing you have a way to let others know about your condition can help you feel more in control.

Despite more research and awareness, PoTS is still not widely understood by the general public. Many people with PoTS have to explain their condition repeatedly, often to those who have never heard of it.

An awareness card is not just practical for day-to-day situations—it also helps educate people. The more PoTS is recognised, the more likely it is that those living with the condition will receive understanding and support. A simple card can help start conversations, increase awareness, and encourage better recognition of PoTS in society.

Carry Confidence with a PoTS Awareness Card from The Card Project UK

Living with PoTS comes with daily challenges, but small tools can make a big difference. A PoTS awareness card is a practical way to explain your condition without long explanations or unnecessary stress.

Whether you need support in a shop, on public transport, or in an emergency, having a card ready can help. It’s a small but powerful way to make life with PoTS easier. Get your awareness card today and carry confidence with you wherever you go.