Living with POTS: Comprehensive Support at LDE

Understanding Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS)

POTS is a complex condition affecting the autonomic nervous system, which regulates involuntary bodily functions like heart rate, blood pressure, digestion, and temperature control. Individuals with POTS experience a significant increase in heart rate upon standing, leading to a range of symptoms that can impact daily life.

Common Symptoms:

• Rapid heartbeat upon standing (tachycardia)

• Dizziness or light-headedness

• Fatigue and weakness

• Brain fog or difficulty concentrating

• Nausea and gastrointestinal discomfort

• Temperature regulation issues

• Bladder dysfunction

• Visual disturbances

Symptoms can vary between individuals and may fluctuate over time.

For more information on POTS visit https://potsfoundation.org.au/living-with-pots/

How Exercise Physiology Can Support People Living with POTS

Exercise physiology is a recognised, evidence-based approach to managing POTS. While physical activity can feel difficult for people living with POTS, a gradual and personalised program—delivered by an Accredited Exercise Physiologist—can play an important role in improving blood volume, circulation, and autonomic regulation over time.

At LDE, our Accredited Exercise Physiologists work closely with you to develop a tailored plan that considers your symptoms, fitness level, and personal health goals. We focus on low-intensity, graded movement strategies that are flexible, supportive, and responsive to how you're feeling—so you can build capacity and confidence safely and at your own pace.

The Role of a Dietitian in Managing POTS

A dietitian plays a vital role in the multidisciplinary care of individuals with POTS. Nutrition can significantly influence blood volume, circulation, energy levels, and digestive symptoms — all of which are commonly affected in POTS.

Our dietitian provides personalised guidance to support symptom management through:

· Optimising fluid and sodium intake to help maintain blood pressure and reduce dizziness or fatigue.

· Balancing blood sugar levels to reduce crashes in energy and improve concentration.

· Addressing digestive symptoms such as bloating, nausea, or constipation, which are common in POTS.

· Identifying and managing food intolerances or triggers that may worsen symptoms.

· Supporting adequate nutrient intake to prevent deficiencies, particularly in those with limited dietary variety or chronic gut symptoms.

· Creating realistic, sustainable meal plans that take into account energy fluctuations, appetite changes, and co-existing conditions.

Working alongside the exercise physiologist and medical team, the dietitian ensures each client receives a tailored nutrition approach that supports long-term health and daily function.

Key goals of the program include:

· Supporting cardiovascular fitness with safe, structured activity

· Gradually increasing upright tolerance—like standing and walking—at your pace

· Improving muscle tone and circulation to support blood flow

· Reducing the impact of symptoms through tailored reconditioning

· Teaching energy conservation and pacing strategies for everyday life

· Addressing associated issues such as joint hypermobility or chronic pain

· Enhancing mental wellbeing through movement and education

· Helping you feel more confident with physical activity and daily routines

· Patient education on diet, salt and fluid intake

Our programs are built on the latest clinical guidelines for POTS management and are delivered in a supportive setting by experienced professionals in our on-site gym. Most plans begin with seated or reclined exercises (like recumbent cycling, rowing, or resistance training) and progress to more upright and dynamic movements as your tolerance improves.

Our Personalised 12-Week Allied Health Program

Our structured 12-week program is designed to empower individuals with POTS through evidence-based interventions led by our experienced team of allied health professionals. The goal is to improve daily functioning, increase tolerance to activity, and reduce the impact of symptoms.

Program Highlights:

· Week 1: Initial consultation with both an Exercise Physiologist and Accredited Practising Dietitian

· Weeks 2–12: Twice-weekly 30-minute individual sessions with the Exercise Physiologist

o Patients can do 1 gym session per week independently if they have access to the required gym equipment and wil have 1 session per week at LDE.

· Weeks 6 & 12: Follow-up Dietitian sessions if required

· Monitoring of symptom trends and physical capacity over the program

· Patient education on hydration, salt intake, symptom pacing, and autonomic conditioning

· Collaboration with your GP to support care planning and reviews

· Referral to other health or allied health professionals as determined by your health care team.

All sessions are conducted in our Osborne Park multidisciplinary care clinic and on-site gym.

Who Is This For?

We welcome patients who have already been diagnosed with POTS by their GP or cardiologist.

Note: LDE’s endocrinologists do not provide a formal POTS diagnosis but can consult to rule out other endocrine conditions as requested by your referring practitioner.

Fees and Referral Information

Program Fee: a fee estimate for the 12-week custom program will be provided after the initial assessment by our exercise physiologist and dietician.

Location: Living Diabetes & Endocrinology multi-disciplinary care clinic in Osborne Park.

Rebates may be claimable via:

• Medicare (with a valid GP Management Plan)

• Private Health Insurance (check with your provider)

A GP referral is required to claim a rebate under a GP Management Plan and to provide the POTS diagnosis. Please provide your referral at the time of making the first appointment.

Start Your Journey to Improved Living with POTS

To refer a patient or to book an initial consult, please contact us at (contact details as on the website).