What is POTS?

Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) is a chronic condition that affects the body's autonomic nervous system, impacting functions such as heart rate and blood flow when standing.

Common symptoms include:

  • Dizziness or light-headedness
  • Rapid heart rate (tachycardia)
  • Fatigue
  • Brain fog

POTS and COVID-19
POTS often develops following a viral illness and has become increasingly recognised as one of the conditions that can occur after COVID-19 infection.

Compression For POTS

POTS and COVID-19

Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) can develop after a viral illness and has become increasingly recognised as a possible post-viral condition following COVID-19 infection. While not everyone who has COVID-19 develops POTS, some people experience ongoing symptoms affecting heart rate, blood circulation and the autonomic nervous system after recovering from the virus.

How Compression Garments May Help People with POTS

Compression garments are commonly recommended as part of a non-medication management plan for POTS. Research suggests that graduated compression garments may help reduce symptoms such as dizziness, light-headedness, fatigue and rapid heart rate by improving circulation, reducing blood pooling in the legs and abdomen, and supporting blood flow when standing.

For the greatest benefit, clinical guidance generally recommends graduated compression garments providing 20–30 mmHg (or higher) of compression extending from the ankles to the waist, as full lower-body compression is typically more effective than calf-only garments.

However, the most effective compression garment is one that can be worn consistently. If higher compression is uncomfortable, a lower level of compression that you wear regularly is generally more beneficial than not wearing compression at all.

Learn More About POTS

For trusted information about living with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), symptoms, diagnosis and management, visit the Australian POTS Foundation.

Australian POTS Foundation – Living with POTS


Frequently Asked Questions

Can compression garments help POTS?

Compression garments may help reduce symptoms of POTS by improving blood circulation and reducing blood pooling in the lower body when standing.

What compression level is recommended for POTS?

Clinical guidance commonly recommends graduated compression of 20–30 mmHg or higher (available at 2XU), ideally extending from the ankles to the waist.

Can COVID-19 cause POTS?

POTS has been recognised as a possible post-viral condition that can develop after COVID-19 infection in some individuals.

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