Choices about my SVT

I guess everyone is different. People react differently to medications, to SVT itself...some have it bad, some not so bad or it doesn't get worse. I am scheduled for an EP study with possible ablation next week. My EP doc thinks I've had episodes of SVT but I could have other issues like IST. He feels the best way to get an accurate diagnosis is through an EP study. If he finds something, he will ablate it. If after the study he thinks medication is they way to go, we'll do that. Like you, I haven't had many episodes but the ones I've had scared me enough to cause anxiety. They've never lasted long, and converted back by itself so I guess I'm lucky in that sense but like someone else said, if left untreated it will probably get worse so its best to try and tackle it now. One thing I have been getting more of is PVC's so I am kind of happy I am doing the EP study soon because these things drive me crazy! I tried Metoprolol for a while but didn't like how it dropped my HR so low, so I stopped. I'm taking a suppliment called Heart Calm now, which has seemed to quiet them down a lot. I am not to keen on taking medications that may produce negative side effects, so the EP study route seems a much better option for me in hopes of finding a more permanent cure.

Like someone else said it is a personal decision. From everything I've researched on EP study/ablation, its pretty low risk procedure (for invasive surgery) and seems to a more common approach to arrhymias these days. Talk it over with your doctor.

The first time my son had a sustaining event he was 11 years old and had to be taken from school to the ER to receive adenosine. The choices we were given were: take meds that may make him tired, wait around for the next event to occur and go to the ER as necessary, or get the ablation. We chose to get the ablation but unfortunately, it did not resolve his issue and a year later, almost to the day, he had another sustaining event. He then got a 2nd ablation. He has little flutters but thus far, he hasnt had another episode for 5 years. We chose the ablations because he was so young and we didnt want him to be afraid every time he went camping or on a trip, etc.. We didnt want him to have to think about how far an ER is every time he moves somewhere. Even though it had to be repeated, I think it was worth it, and he does too. The ablation was very straight forward, they went through his femoral, and the recovery was relatively quick and easy and left him with a tiny little scar that nobody would ever see.

I've been on 100 mg Flecainide daily now for several months and have not had any SVT episodes at all since I started the medication. I'm really happy with the medication. If I get any episodes I can increase the dose. The cardiologist advises against ablation in my case because my SVT is being initiated in the right side of my heart, and that is more difficult to access than the left side, so there is more chance of something going wrong. I would try Flecainide first if it is an option for you. The Olympic rower Rob Waddell won gold while taking Flecainide, so it can't be that bad. But you have to make your own mind up. There are plenty of success stories with ablation and plenty of ablations that did not work or led to further complications. Good luck, whatever you decide.

Hi Dominika, I too am facing the decision about ablation. Nothing seems life threatening or even much of a hardship at this point. I got a referral and went to see the electro physiologist dr. and besides acting like he was God's gift to the world, he was ready to get me on the table and do the ablation asap. Not based on my specific test results, but because that's what he does. At least that was my takeaway from him. I was just coming in for advice and options, not to make the appointment right then. I went almost 3 months without any episodes, now I've only had very short episodes (3) and I've got myself out of them within a couple minutes. So still not sure what to do.

Hi Dominika, I too am facing the decision about ablation. Nothing seems life threatening or even much of a hardship at this point. I got a referral and went to see the electro physiologist dr. and besides acting like he was God's gift to the world, he was ready to get me on the table and do the ablation asap. Not based on my specific test results, but because that's what he does. At least that was my takeaway from him. I was just coming in for advice and options, not to make the appointment right then. I went almost 3 months without any episodes, now I've only had very short episodes (3) and I've got myself out of them within a couple minutes. So still not sure what to do.

I've had SVT since I was 10, and I'm now 70. I only had episodes 2 or 3 times a year and controlled them using the Valsalva technique which I had discovered spontaneously. Your GP can explain it, and there are several descriptions of the variations online and on this forum. I recommend it - it takes a bit of practice at first but it works. My episodes were not stress or activity related but increased in frequency when I was about 65. I went through the usual ECG's and wore a monitor for a couple of weeks, after which I was advised that I couldn't have an ablation as I have more than one point of activity. I now take 3.75mg Bisoprolol daily. The maximum is 10 mg daily so it's quite a low maintenance dose, and I've only had one episode in the last 5 years. It's no worse than taking daily vitamin pills and I get two months' supply at a time. I've had no side effects but cold extremities due to lowered BP is the most common. As for ablation I've a nephew who is a keen footballer, began to have SVT episodes and had abaltion when he was 19. He described it as no worse than having a tooth filled and the procedure was completely successful. He's now 25.

Try Valsalva. If you only have 1 or 2 episodes it could be the solution.

A friend had an ablation for SVT and she said it has changed her life. She is in her seventies and is riding her bike and do all the things she wants to do,

I'm in the exact same situation. I'm 34 and healthy and fit, and always been in sports and active. my episodes started when I was 27 out of nowhere. they only really occur if i drink caffeine, if i exercise hard enough to break a sweat or if i run or do any form of cardio. also soemtimes they'll occur if im having anxiety. but now that im used to them i dont get anxious much anymore.

i can mostly keep myself from ever getting one just by not exercising hardly at all. however ad fitness is important to me it sucks so bad to not be able to exercise. if i do exercise and push myself in the gym I'll almost always have svt episode.

part of me doesn't want to take the small risk of the procedure, because my svt isnt occuring even monthly. but that's only because i dont live life like i normally would.

its a hard decision..