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I was on beta blockers for years and I still got the attacks, I've never had one lasting an hour,I definitely remember before the last ablation they became more severe, head felt like it was going to explode and then the rapid heart rate even began to loose my sight for a few seconds, I would definitely recommend an ablation, after suffering 10 years n then having the ablation they completely went up till recently but that was almost 20 year's ago, definitely worth being symptom free for all this time,now they've started back I definitely will choose for another ablation if it is offered to me,I also stopped smoking, went on to decaf n it didn't make a difference, my gp has sed they think it's def the svt returned but think it may be coming from a different pathway, I go on the 9 th Dec to the consultant so am hoping to find out more, not sure if I mentioned that I got my own reading of 228bpm,just hope that this will class as a proof reading otherwise I'm going to ask if I can have a loop recorder fitted in hope they can record an attack x

Hi Lisa. Sorry to hear things aren't good. If its any consolation, your symptoms and fears are pretty normal for SVT. I'm not sure if you are already seeing a specialist for SVT but, if not, it would probably be best if you did because there seem to be several varities that might need different treatments. I myself had SVT for about 20 years. I had an ablation a couple of years ago and (touch wood!) I haven't had a single episode since. I my opinion, the ablation procedure was less troublesome than an SVT episode of the same duration. So I would strongly recommend an ablation if your specialist thinks you are suitable for one. I never found a clear connection between booze (or fags) and SVT so I wouldn't sacrifice too many simple pleasures unless you are convinced it matters in your particular case! Hope it goes well for you.....Kieran

Hi Lisa

I had a svt once last year and then nothing till last month where I had 6 in a week, they are being controlled at the minute by flecainide and beta blockers even though the consultant cannot guarantee it not happening while on these, I am waiting to have an ablation done as my heart went to 230 and even though the thought of an ablation unnerves me, having an svt or living each day waiting for the next one to happen unnerves me more. Dawn

Hi Lisa , I have been on beta blockers for 25 years and I would say that they definatly helped to stop the svts I was on 40mg twice a day and took extra ones if I felt as though I was going to have an episode as I've got older I have been getting more episodes and double my dose after talking to my gp . Last Tuesday I had an ablation 

which I'm hoping has helped although I have had an episode 2 days ago which was scary and I sta tred taking 40mg of sotalol just to keep me calm , I also have a panic attack when it starts which makes it feel twice as bad but I would try the medication first rather than rush into an ablation please let me know how you get on 

John