New to the group

Posted , 7 users are following.

Hi folks. So, well, basically I've had heart palps for years now. And it was just something I had. Nothing major and I just went with the flow, so to speak. But......last November....it was a biggie. I thought I was on my way to a heart attack. Pounding chest, chest pain, felt ill, was awful. Other half was with me at the time and dialled 999. Rate was 197. Not as much as some have I know, but enough! Paramedics got me in ambulance and tried to get it down. Blowing in a syringe etc. Having a crash team waiting at hospital just scares the s**t out of you. Anyway, the doctors tried to get my heartbeat down naturally, neck movements too, no success. So I had to have the drug. Can't remember what it's called. Thankfully it worked. My loved ones with me watched that monitor, go from nearly 200 to under 90 in an instant. They were happy.......I felt like I'd died lol. I'm so sorry to waffle on but I've had 2 episodes since then. One was over in 5 minutes thank God, and one last week was 20 minutes. Thankfully both stopped without a hospital visit. But I've been offered no medication for this. Should I? I'm going on holiday soon abroad and I'm concerned if it happens there and I need the hospital. OMG I'm for sorry for going on and on.

0 likes, 7 replies

7 Replies

  • Posted

    Hi Claire, you should be fine. Think about ablation when you are back.  It helps a lot.

    Enjoy your vacation.

  • Posted

    Claire,

    Did the ER recommend that you see a cardiologist...I know when I had my first big svt episode my dr referred me to a cardiologist...I see her regularly. 

    • Posted

      Hi Paullie, nope. They just said if I had any more problems, to go see my doctor,with a view to that. I was discharged after a good few hours, and they didn't seem overly concerned

  • Posted

    Just reading your experience here Claire, did the emt's try the modified Valsalva. Sitting up, holding your breath, laying you back down while exhaling and lifting your legs straight up?

  • Posted

    You should have been offered either a beta blocker drug or calcium channel blocker as both can prevent attacks. Have you been referred to a cardiologist who specialises in heartbeat problems (eletrophysiologist). If not ask to be referred.

    The lovely drug you had was adenosine. I was given it 3 times but it didnt work and i agree its not the best feeling!

    I am going for a electrophysiology study and hopefully ablation in less than a week.

    Beyond terrified as you can imagine.

  • Posted

    Hi Claire,

    I am new to the group, but wanted to share my experience with taking a medication prn (as needed) for my SVT episodes. I was diagnosed 8 years ago, although I am certain I'd had it for many years before diagnosis. I am a now retired RN, and was given and tried several beta blockers for SVT management. I found I couldn't take either of them routinely because they dropped my blood pressure and heart rate too much. Then my cardiologist approved my taking Bystolic 2.5-5 mg as needed for SVT symptoms. So far this routine has worked for me. My heart rate was recently recorded for 2 weeks showing my rate between 51-245 bpm episodically. I know that I'm eventually going to face a more routine medication regimen or ablation, but for the past 6 or so years the "as needed" approach works for me. I carry an oximeter with me, and if I'm over 90, I use pupil pressure or carotid massage to bring it down. That works for me for the most part, but if it doesn't, I take my Bystolic. It's very important to establish care with a cardiologist, because most Dr.s know nothing about SVT management.

    Hope this helps you.

    Best of luck:)

    Cindy

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.