Living with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) can bring a range of symptoms that may vary from day to day. A medical alert bracelet can provide reassurance and help communicate important information about your condition to the people around you, especially when you need extra support communicating your needs.

In this guide, we'll explain how a medical alert bracelet can support people living with POTS, what you may want to include on your medical ID, and how to choose a style that feels comfortable and works well for you.

What is POTS?

Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) is a form of orthostatic intolerance that affects the autonomic nervous system. It causes an unusually large increase in heart rate when moving from lying down or sitting to standing.

Symptoms vary from person to person and can include: 

• • Dizziness 
  • Light-headedness 
  • Fainting 
  • Fatigue 
  • Brain fog 
  • Heart palpitations 
  • Shortness of breath 
  • Nausea 
  • Headaches 

They may become worse after standing for long periods, during exercise, in warm environments, or when you're unwell.

Because POTS isn't always immediately visible to others, having your condition clearly identified can be particularly useful if you become unwell in public or require medical assistance.

How Can a Medical Alert Bracelet Help?

A medical alert bracelet can help make important medical information easily available when it matters most.

If you have POTS, your bracelet can let others know about your condition if you're unable to explain it yourself. This can be particularly helpful if you experience fainting, severe dizziness, or an episode that affects your ability to communicate.

A medical alert bracelet may be especially useful if you:

• • Experience fainting or a significant risk of losing consciousness 
  • Have episodes where you struggle to communicate 
  • Take regular medication that healthcare professionals should know about 
  • Have serious allergies or another medical condition 
  • Want to carry an emergency contact number with you 

Your medical bracelet should reflect the information that is most important for your individual circumstances. If you're unsure what to include, speak with your healthcare team.

What Should You Engrave on Your Medical Alert Bracelet?

Choosing what to engrave can feel difficult, particularly if you have several important details you'd like to include.

The most useful information is usually whatever someone would need to know quickly in an emergency.

You may wish to include:

• • Your name 
  • POTS or Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome 
  • Fainting risk, if relevant 
  • Important medication 
  • Serious allergies 
  • An emergency contact number 

For example: 

POTS 
FAINTING RISK 
ICE: 07XXX XXXXXX 

Or: 

POTS 
BETA BLOCKER 
ICE: 07XXX XXXXXX 

There is no single correct way to engrave your bracelet. Focus on the information that would be most useful to someone helping you in an emergency.

If you have more detailed medical information to carry, you could also use a medical wallet card alongside your bracelet.

Choosing Medical Jewellery for POTS

Medical alert jewellery comes in many different styles, from traditional medical ID bracelets to more discreet designs that can be worn every day.

When choosing your bracelet, consider: 

• • Whether it is comfortable enough for everyday wear 
  • Whether there is enough space for your important medical information 
  • Whether you prefer a visible medical symbol or a more subtle design 

Our silicone medical alert bracelets are lightweight, waterproof and easy to clean, making them a practical choice for everyday wear. They can be customised with medical information that's most important to you.

If you prefer something that looks more like everyday jewellery, our adjustable corded and beaded bracelets offer a more subtle alternative while still allowing you to carry essential medical information.

A medical alert necklace or keyring offers another practical and convenient way to keep your important medical information close at hand, while choosing an option that suits your personal style and preferences.

Where Can You Find Support for POTS?

If you're living with POTS, connecting with others who understand the condition can provide valuable information and support.

PoTS UK is a charity providing information, education and support for people living with Postural Tachycardia Syndrome, as well as their families and healthcare professionals. It also offers online peer support groups and resources covering areas such as managing symptoms, healthcare, and everyday life.

Dysautonomia International is a non-profit organisation supporting people affected by POTS and other forms of dysautonomia. It provides educational resources, awareness initiatives, research information, and support resources for people living with autonomic disorders.

You can also speak to your GP or specialist for advice about managing your individual symptoms and treatment.

POTS Awareness Colours and Symbols

Turquoise is the universal awareness colour associated with POTS and dysautonomia. It is often used to help raise awareness of these conditions and show support for people living with them.

October is Dysautonomia Awareness Month, making it a great time to help raise awareness and start conversations about conditions like POTS.

Some POTS charities and organisations, including PoTS UK, also use purple as part of their own awareness campaigns. Both colours can therefore be seen in POTS and dysautonomia awareness, although turquoise is commonly recognised as the universal awareness colour for POTS.

You can choose from our range of medical jewellery in different colours, including combining turquiose and purple in our Fusion bracelet. Adding an awareness colour to your bracelet is a simple way to make your medical ID personal while showing your support for the wider POTS community.

Final Thoughts

A medical alert bracelet can provide reassurance by helping you carry important health information wherever you go.

If you have POTS, your bracelet can communicate your condition and other important details if you're unable to explain them yourself. Choosing what to engrave doesn't need to be complicated — focus on the information that would be most useful in an emergency and choose a design that you're comfortable wearing every day.

We offer a range of medical alert jewellery in different styles, colours and materials, so you can find something that works for you.

If you need help choosing a medical alert bracelet or deciding what to engrave, our team is always happy to help. You can also sign up to our newsletter for helpful advice, new product updates, exclusive offers, and a free printable emergency wallet card. 

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek advice from your GP or a qualified healthcare professional regarding any medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read here.