superventricular tachiacardia

[cyclequeen]

Hello, I've suffered with this for about 18 months now, for those that don't know it's a sudden rapid heart rate for no apparant reason, very frightening especially the first time as you think you must be having a heart attack. I thought it was triggered by alcohol but now know it's not, I've not managed to work out what causes it. But would love to know if anyone has any ideas of what causes it & how to stop it happening. I've had around 20 episodes during this time, they all happen during the night & wake me from my sleep which is bizzare as I'm at my most relaxed. I've had an echo scan on my heart & been investigated they can't give me any answers. I'm 53 slim, don't smoke & go to the gym 3 times a week so can't understand why I'm getting this.

[Sqad]

Much more information is needed as this is a complex problem.

I will have to presume that you have had this diagnosis made by a Cardiologist and an ECG.

Do you know what type of SVT you have and what instructions has the Cardiologist given you?

Are you on drug therapy.?

Does your particular type of SVT involve the A-V node or not.

Complex questions I know, but they have to be addressed.

[Buenchico]

Stress? Exertion? Posture change? Herbal supplements? Genetic causes (Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome)? Those are among the possibilities listed on the NHS website.

Click through the links (Symptoms/Causes/Diagnosis/Treatment) to learn more:
http://www.nhs.uk/Con...ges/Introduction.aspx

Chris

[cyclequeen]

Hello Squad & Chris

Thanks for taking the time to answer my question. I've not acually had a confirmed diagnosis as it's never been caught on an ecg. This always happens to me during the night it's never happened at any other time, hence by the time the ambulance arrives everything is normal again. I've had heart monitors to wear in bed for a few weeks but once again it didn't happen during that trial time. But my doctor & the cardiologist think it's probably svt. It interested me to read the nhs page that Chris pointed me too , I'd looked on there before & hadn't found so much info, by posture could this mean getting up to go to the loo in the night from a deep sleep do you think? I often have an attack then so maybe getting up slower would help, food for thought. Having said that it also just wakes me up from a deep sleep so that can't be posture.

Thanks again

[Sqad]

Thanks for the feedback.

[midagetrolop]

I have had this for over ten years now mines AVNRT, it is due to "extra wiring in your heart". The first time was quite scary but you will get used to it! My cardiac specialist put me on atenolol which controls it, but sometimes I still have an episode, I usually try and stop it by throwing v cold water in my face, but if it doesnot stop within 1 hour it's off to casualty for an adenosine injection. Mine happens first thing in the morning when I am waking, apparently as my blood pressure rises when you start to wake up. I am glad the drugs contain it as I do not fancy an ablation (where they cut the extra bit out, but might take too much and then it's a pacemaker, I'll stick to my drugs, as long as they keep working. I am the same as you fit, aerobics and swimming weekly it's nothing to do with being fit and healthy. So take care you will be ok, you'll learn to live with it, you've done nothing wrong. I hope this puts your mind at rest. One good thing though, you can get holiday insurance with it!!

[cyclequeen]

Thanks Midgetrolop, it sounds similar I couldn't find yours on the NHS web page. I do hope I don't have this for my lifetime as you seem to, I don't really want to take drugs & can't until it's been caught on an ecg & therefore confirmed. I think this is what worries me not knowing for sure its just svt & not something worse. I've had an echo scan though so should be re assured by that. It's odd that it happens to you when you awaken & me it's the opposite when I relax & go to sleep. Thanks again for taking the time to help me, hope you all have a great Xmas