Supraventicular Tachycardia?

Question

Does anyone know anything about SVT? I know quite a bit but would like to hear what other people have to say. Doctors told me I had it last October when my heart randomly went about 210 beats/minute. Any information could be helpful =)

Serious answers only please.

Thank you for the answers to this question. I have only had 2 "attacks". One was last october and one was in May...My cardiologist said not too worry about it for now unless they come regularly...I am not going to take any further action at this point but thank you so much for information!

Answer 1

I had SVT in the summer of last year. The term "supraventricular arrhythmia" refers to a diverse group of abnormal rhythms ranging from chronic atrial fibrillation to paroxysmal sinus tachycardia due to reentry within the sinus node. Supraventricular tachycardia can be broadly defined as any tachycardia requiring the atrium or the atrioventricular (AV) node, either in whole or in part, for its perpetuation. The atrial arrhythmias vary considerably in their rate and regularity, their clinical manifestations and the setting in which they occur. These rhythms are characteristically abrupt in onset and termination and are often seen in patients who do not have evidence of organic heart disease. Although these disturbances in rhythm are generally benign, in patients with organic heart disease a rapid supraventricular rhythm may produce significant hemodynamic complications. In some patients with pre-excitation syndromes and antegrade conduction down an accessory pathway, there is a risk of sudden death.

This rhythm disturbance appears to be most common in women, but may occur in either sex. It is frequently observed in anxious young people and in those who are physically fatigued, consume large amounts of coffee, use alcohol or smoke heavily. It is also noted occasionally (but is uncommon) with myocardial ischemia and in the setting of acute MI. Atrial tachycardia occurs in some patients with myocardial diseases during systemic arterial hypoxia and in some patients with serious mitral valve disease.

I would sometimes get heart palpatations that went away very quickly. Imagine my cincern when I started feeling my heart start racing to the point where I thought I would pass out. I would turn white as a ghost and could hardly move. I was diagnosed when my cardiologist gave me a 24 hour heart monitor and we finally recorded it...almost 240 beats per minute. In my case, I was born with Pulmonary Stenosis but my doctor didn't believe one thing had anything to do with the other.

I ended up having radiofrequency ablation for it in order to correct it. In a radiofrequency ablation, a physician guides a catheter with an electrode at its tip to the area of heart muscle where there's an accessory (extra) pathway. The catheter is guided with real-time, moving X-rays (fluoroscopy) displayed on a video screen. The procedure helps the doctor place the catheter at the exact site inside the heart where cells give off the electrical signals that stimulate the abnormal heart rhythm. Then a mild, painless radiofrequency energy (similar to microwave heat) is transmitted to the pathway. This destroys carefully selected heart muscle cells in a very small area (about 1/5 of an inch). That stops the area from conducting the extra impulses that caused the rapid heartbeats.

I know for a fact that my SVT would not have disappeared on its own. Turns out I had 2 areas in my heart that were causing the disruption. They were both burned off and I have been golden ever since!

Answer 2

I had SVT for about 3 years with about 6 serious attacks requiring ER treatment. A cardiologist suggested cardiac ablation. I had it done 7 yrs ago & have not had another attack since. It is painless & done on an outpatient visit. You may be a bit tired for a few days buth other than that no side effects.

Answer 3

Mom2be is correct, but there is a second option too, that is ICD (intra-cardiac device fitted). It prevents much of the complications, e.g. bradycardia and tachycardia and good for long use, because it contains a defibrillator, and pacemaker.
I hope it help you out in making a choice.