1. Community
  2. Heart Health
  3. Atrial Fibrillation And Flutter

Fast SVT converted to AF...

Posted , 3 users are following.

terence68672
terence68672

I suddenly presented with a fast, regular STV of 180-200BPM. pale, breathless. My fingers went white too, strange.

 It 'felt' like AF though, that 'fight' in the chest. Ambulance time, blue lights etc. After many hours they tried to cardiovert me with Adenosine. Its not nice, took a lof of guts to agree. It didnt work so they tried a double dose. An elephant sat on me. But it still didnt work, but left me with iregular AF- 120-150 BPM. This resolved after sedation and sleep. Has anyone else had this, where SVT becomes AF, which resolves on its own? Very scary! Too much alcohol the weeks (I'm an alcoholic) preceding this, was assumed to be the cause. But I was sober at the time?

Thanks.

0 likes, 5 replies

5 Replies

  • Therapy_girl
    Therapy_girl terence68672

    Posted

    Dear Terence I'm sure they were right it was the alcohol even though you were sober the alcohol stays in your organs. I know how awful it must have been for you and I have never suffered extreme symptoms like that. I do know something about being an alcoholic as my father was one and a very scary childhood I suffered due to his illness. He was asthmatic too and this was effected by the alcohol he consumed and he was often very ill resulting in him being hospitalised. Its difficult to give you advice as you are the only one who can possibly bring about the change in these serious attacks. My father always blamed his family for his illness. Good luck Terrence I hope you see yourself clear of anymore scary bouts. Therapy girl

    • terence68672
      terence68672 Therapy_girl

      Posted

      Hi TG, (my nickname actually!) thanks for your thoughts, much appreciated.

      Stopped the booze now after a short detox and no more fags. Hard though!!   What do you suffer from if you dont mind me asking, AF?

  • Okapis
    Okapis terence68672

    Posted

    My AF converted to SVT and back again at the drop of a hat!  Sleep was always a good idea and in the early /mid stages of the AF development worked wonders.

    But oh dear alcohol is very good at triggering AF. The scare of having a stroke does not help you with stopping the excessive alcohol consumption?

    Why do we do such things to ourselves? Alcoholism and a stroke are devastating on family and friends - not to say life in general. One day in the future the gene for alcoholism will be discovered with the possiblity of gene therapy but in the meantime an elixir of self discipline is required..pity GPs cant prescribe it!

     

    • terence68672
      terence68672 Okapis

      Posted

      Thanks Okapis.  

      I guess I dont feel like 'me' unless I have a drink, then I cant stop! I've never gone into AF during a binge/session. its always the day after. 

    • Okapis
      Okapis terence68672

      Posted

      Yeah I once thought that.. I had to stop drinking to take a particular drug - methotrexate for an infammatory arthritis otherwise the prospect of being unable to walk loomed! You can still be you...but if your life style is based around drinking... adjust your life style, make it easier on yourself!  My mother was an alcoholic so I know its very difficult...
Back to top

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.