PoTS Awareness Day 25th October

What Is PoTS?

PoTS (or Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome) is a condition of the autonomic (involuntary) nervous system: when someone stands, their heart rate rises excessively to compensate for poor blood flow regulation, causing symptoms throughout the body.

In New Zealand:

• Arrhythmia Alliance NZ describes PoTS as a rapid heart rate increase upon standing, and notes that lifestyle changes can help.
• South Island Heart notes that PoTS often involves a structurally healthy heart but dysfunction in blood pooling and autonomic regulation.
• Many people with Long Covid in NZ report PoTS‑like symptoms; Long Covid Support Aotearoa includes PoTS under its symptom list.

Because the condition is not well known, many NZ patients report long diagnostic delays or being misattributed to anxiety or fatigue.

For instance, a nurse in NZ described how initially “not hardly anyone seemed to know about it” when she first developed symptoms.

Why 25 October Matters Here

• Visibility combats invisibility. PoTS is often “invisible” people may look fine outwardly yet struggle daily.
• Addressing diagnostic gaps in NZ. There is recognition that medical training in NZ lacks emphasis on PoTS; one NZ research team is working to increase clinician education and reduce diagnostic delays. AMRF
• Link with Long Covid. With Long Covid being a major issue in NZ, many experiencing ongoing post‑viral symptoms report autonomic dysfunction and PoTS features. longcovidsupport.co.nz
• Support networks already exist. In NZ, Complex Chronic Illness Support (CCIS) offers support for dysautonomia, PoTS, ME/CFS and similar conditions.



Lighting up buildings or homes in purple, sharing stories, and pushing for recognition all help lend voice to those who often feel unheard.

How You Can Help in NZ / Aotearoa

Here are ways to back PoTS Awareness Day, adapted for our NZ context:

1. Light Up in Purple in your neighbourhood

• Use purple lights in your home, window, exterior.
• Encourage local councils, community halls, libraries, marae or civic buildings to illuminate in purple on 25 October.
• Share photos or short clips with tags like #LightUpForPoTS, #PoTSAwarenessDayNZ, and tag relevant NZ organisations or community groups.

2. Share local stories & voices

• Encourage NZers living with PoTS (or Long Covid + autonomic symptoms) to tell their stories through video, writing, podcast, etc.
• Connect with or feature New Zealand health / community blogs, magazines or media to run stories, especially in the lead up to 25 October.

3. Educate clinicians & medical community

• Use the day to send information packs, fact sheets or infographics to GPs, cardiology departments, physiotherapy clinics in your region.
• Advocate for inclusion of PoTS/dysautonomia in training modules for medical students and allied health in NZ (as local research is already pushing for). AMRF

4. Connect to NZ support groups

• Share awareness via Complex Chronic Illness Support (CCIS), which supports people in NZ with PoTS/dysautonomia.
• Use local support groups or health networks to host webinars, panel talks, Q&A sessions in October.

5. Raise funds / resources for research

• Even small community fundraisers, online or local, can help fund NZ‑based research or awareness.
• Encourage donations or collaboration with NZ research teams working on autonomic dysfunction. AMRF

On 25 October, let us stand together across Aotearoa to shine a purple light on PoTS. Whether you’re in Whangārei, Rotorua, Christchurch or Invercargill, your voice, your light, your story matters.

Join us: light up, share, speak, educate and help more New Zealanders with PoTS be recognised, supported and believed.

#LightUpForPoTS #PoTSAwarenessDayNZ #InvisibleIllnessNZ