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Flying with SVT, any advice to prevent an attack???

Posted , 4 users are following.

agy95838
agy95838

Hi, all. I know a few other posts have been made on the subject of travelling with SVT. But as I have an upcoming flight (2.5 hrs), I would love to hear not only your experiences of flying with SVT, but also the best ways to possibly prevent an attack whilst up there at 33,000 ft.

Of course we all know that there is no surefire way to prevent an SVT attack.

What a wonderful world that would be!!!

But,

If anyone could offer advice on what to do / medicines to take on the day of the flight or the days preceding the flight, I would very much appreciate it.

Also, how is the general consensus amongst us SVT-ers on flying?

Do you take long airplane journeys?

Have your travel preferences changed since you were diagnosed?

My feat of getting SVT on the airplane is hindering me from doing many things in life. sad I was studying abroad last year, then came home for a short holiday, and during that time I got a severe SVT attack and was officially diagnosed (after years of struggling with attacks). This diagnosis, coupled with another traumatic event in my life, led to me never returning to the country to which I had settled into. And my whole life was disrupted and frankly worse for it... I always try to stay positive, but it sometimes feels like SVT significantly made my life worse this year.

Now that I finally had the courage to book a flight to see my friends in a foreign country, I am of course feeling overwhelmed with anxiety about the whole thing.

What if I get an attack on the plane?

Do the flight attendants have any protocol to deal with similar issues?

I fear that they would not take me seriously, and I would wind up going through hell for the whole flight trying to control it. And then I'd have to got though a whole new airport and its security before even being able to call a taxi/ambulance. And then I'd arrive at a new hospital where the doctors might not even speak English...!

I recognise that I am being very anxious and highly imaginative in terms of what MIGHT, but is not guaranteed to, happen.

And yes, I would be travelling alone, which would make it harder.

But my flight is on Sunday, and I really want to take this trip!

About me: 20 years female, SVT since age 9 (or earlier)

On Verapamil and Atenolol. (And lots of Magnesium supplements). Last SVT attack was January this year. Went to emergency room, reverted when received carotid massage from Cardiologist.

Other major attack in August last year, lasted four hours, was cardioverted with Adenosine. Daily ectopics and generally a very sensitive heart. Sensitive to exercise and stress. Very high resting heart rate.

Prone to dizziness and syncope (either as result of medicine or just natural proneness). Some other minor health issues and imbalances.

Otherwise healthy, so to speak!

Anyway, looking forward to hearing all of your experiences with flying and advice!

0 likes, 3 replies

3 Replies

  • jenny02938
    jenny02938 agy95838

    Posted

    I had my first severe PSVT attack 2 weeks ago - had no idea what the he’ll was going on. Even called 911. Saw a cardiologist and was booked for vacation that involved a 5.5 hour flight - cardiologist told me to pop a propranolol an hour before flight and I would be fine. The meds actually made me feel worse (took 20 mg). I fly home tomorrow night and I am nervous - not sure if I’ll take a pill before the flight or just take it if I need it. I caught a red eye purposefully so I would sleep - I do a lot of cardio which helps me sleep at night.

    As far as flight attendants - they have oxygen available, I’m sure they have a protocol. As hard as it is bc this whole thing has put a bit of a damper on my vacation, be positive. Try not to think about it. It’s annoying when family has told me not to think about it but it’s hard not to when you’re in survival mode. Get something to read on the plane and if you get an attack take your meds and focus on getting your heart back on track with whatever maneuver works - mind is cold rag or ice on my face.

    Good luck and have a lovely time with your friends.

  • paullie
    paullie agy95838

    Posted

    Agy, I too have an upcoming flight that I’m not looking forward to 😕. But I’m doing it! I’m planning on taking an anxiety med before. Avoid all triggers ie. caffeine, spicy food, stress (tough one!), etc. Drink lots of water, staying hydrated is important when flying and with svt. If u can watch a movie that will use up 2 hours to keep your mind occupied. Keep positive thoughts flowing, esp your destination when you land. Hope this helps!

  • jenny02938
    jenny02938 agy95838

    Posted

    Hi Agy - just a quick note that I have just completed my flights! I had 2 - first was the 5.5 hour and the final leg was 2 hours. I did get anxiety before the flight - pretty bad. At the airport right before boarding my bpm got up to 150. I read another post on here that described the difference between an SVT attack vs anxiety and svt is described as a light switch - it just happens and stops just as fast whereas anxiety slowly builds up and slowly goes away. That is how I differentiated it. Since I only felt anxious and none of the other symptoms I stopped checked my bpm and controlled my thoughts. When I got on the flight I took 2 melatonin and drank chamomile tea - slept most of the flight. That gave me the confidence on the second flight. I have traveled all around the world without ever in my life having anxiety about flying until this svt popped into my life. 

    You’ll get through it, too!!! When you get over your initial fright (I even cried) just breath deep and think happy thoughts. 

    Best wishes.

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