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Another technique to stop SVT attack

Posted , 4 users are following.

victoria27103
victoria27103

Hi all,

As a sufferer of SVT for the past 6 years I still find it quite scary when an attack happens but have learnt to try to stay a bit calmer than I used to. Hard as this may be, it is your heart after all.

This morning I had an attack (they seem to happen for no rhyme or reason) I wasn't tired, hadn't drunk alcohol the day before etc.  However I tried one thing which stopped the attack and it only lasted 15-20 minutes when before now an attack has lasted half  a day.

Running very cold water over both writsts for 2-3 minutes at a time worked.  I did this once then went and sat down, it hadn't stopped so after 10 or so mintues went back to the bathroom and put my wrists under the tap again.  My SVT then stopped immediately.

I think with this technique you have to do it a couple of times and make sure the water is very cold so it's amost unbearable! It's the quickest my SVT has ever stopped!

I hope this helps some people.

Cheers

Vikki

0 likes, 8 replies

8 Replies

  • paullie
    paullie victoria27103

    Posted

    Hi Vikki,

    You said it perfectly! Its very difficult to stay calm..it is your heart after all is right!! I will definitely add your suggestion to my list of tricks to stop my svt. Mine too will come on for no reason..so frustrating. I had one last night and tried the laying on your right side and relaxing..and it worked! But its great to have a variety of tricks just in case one doesnt work for you.

    Thx!

    Paulie 

  • judith85360
    judith85360 victoria27103

    Posted

    Thanks for the info. I have tried drinking very cold water and it has worked a couple of times for me but not always. It makes sense that putting it on the wrist might work.
  • Lolasmom
    Lolasmom victoria27103

    Posted

    Hi Vikki,

    Thanks for the tip. Just wondered if you are on any beta blocker. I am taking 2.5 mg of bisoprolol. Just trying to decide whether I am going to have an ablation done. have you been offered one?

    Ellen

  • Lolasmom
    Lolasmom victoria27103

    Posted

    Sorry, Also meant to ask you and others if you suffer from palpataions/flutters through your day. This is something new since I ate fish and chips last Saturday which were very greasy ( I usually do not eat things like this). My stomach bloated and I had such gas and the papataions started
    • victoria27103
      victoria27103 Lolasmom

      Posted

      I'm not on beta blockers and the doctors gave ablation was an option however I decided against this.  Not only have friends had the procedure and it not worked but I decided to try to change things in my lifestyle and see if that helped.

      I too started getting flutters throughout the day and the real thing that has helped me is exercise.  I now go running (I'm not a mad runner) but do 4-5 miles this really helps with mental health and since running my flutters have calmed down.  I find if I mix cafeine and red wine my flutters are worse as it affects my sleep so I try not to do this. Exercise helps me to sleep better which in turn means less fluttering. Tiredness is a killer. I also have found that Kalms tablets which are made of valerian actually bring on my SVT (weirdly) so now won't take those anymore.  

    • Lolasmom
      Lolasmom victoria27103

      Posted

      Thank you for your quick reply. Do you have many attacks? For me I had my first Feb. 10 and a second one fev 14 when I spent 8 hours in emergency. This is all very new to me and I am 60 years old. Seems so strange to have started so late in life. I am struggling with deciding on the ablation but the specialist told me it is 98% successful. And no more beta blockers which was have many side affects. It is nice to chat with someone that is going through this. Thank you for taking the time. By the way I am in Canada
    • victoria27103
      victoria27103 Lolasmom

      Posted

      No problem! I don't have that many attacks, i used to only get one a year but this has increased  since moving back to the UK from New Zealand and I am convinced this is because of the pace of life in the UK.   I live in the South East which is very busy lots of traffic etc. I had SVT when is was 12-13 years old and then it went dormant for 12 years and came back and I firmly belive it came back because of stress.  I definately think SVT worsens because of stress.  It is entirely up to you about the ablation I would say get all the facts and take it from there.  Potentially you could try other ways such as diet, cutting out caffeine and doing exercise if you as you haven't had it very long these things could still work for you.  Funnily enough I am moving to Canada in July.
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