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PSVT in the wild

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eugene61042
eugene61042

Hi everyone, I'm a 24 years old man.

I have approximately one episode per month, BUT they do not occur in winter at all, and rarely in autumn. They do not give me anything but palpitations, abnormally high heart rate and fear. Despite their presence, I travel, cycle, excersise, etc. because doctors say my heart is in a good shape - ECG and echo reveal no abnormalities.

I use vagal maneuvers and beta-blockers for cardioversion. Sometimes I can't stop SVT on my own, so I need an injection of antiarrhythmics - the doctors say if it lasts more that 2 hours I should call an ambulance.

The question is - what to do if another episode occurs in the wild - mountains, forest, remote countryside - anywhere to where the ambulance won't come?

I do not consider RFA, because the episodes are too rare.

0 likes, 6 replies

6 Replies

  • eugene61042
    eugene61042

    Posted

    Has anyone experienced a PSVT episode in the wild?
  • geoff10274
    geoff10274 eugene61042

    Posted

    Hello,  

         If the svt is interferring with your lifestyle then I would consider an ablation depending on advice from your physiologist.  I have related my circumstances on this site a couple of times so I shall not repeat them again.  However I was also informed I had a healthy heart, but the svt although not presistant was a real nuisance and was slowly getting worse.  Since my ablation 2 years and 6 months ago I have suffered no recurrence.  You have a decision to makle.    Regards.

  • gillian95988
    gillian95988 eugene61042

    Posted

    Hi, 2hours seems a long time to wait to call an ambulance... i find the advice given by doctors to be very conflicting as i'm usually told after about 15 minutes to call! How high does your heart rate and does it last 2 hours? I can't help you with being out in the wild, I will hardly leave my home city for the fear of one happening cry   

    • eugene61042
      eugene61042 gillian95988

      Posted

      This isn't long - I had a 4 hours long episode last summer, and I felt pretty good, only annoyed.

      Heart rate jumps above 200 bpm only if I'm scared of them - when I manage to calm down, heart rate decreases to 150-180.

      Maybe your doctor has reasons to advice you this, don't know.

      Nevertheless, there's nothing to be afraid of while ambulance is able to reach you - you can always stop, sit down and call 911 wink

  • judy89357
    judy89357 eugene61042

    Posted

    At your age I would advise an ablation. I cancelled a trip to Europe recently for fear of being on the flight and having an attack. As young as you are the risk of an ablation is very minor and then you could live your life without fear of being remote somewhere and having an attack. 
    • eugene61042
      eugene61042 judy89357

      Posted

      I studied the question of flights too.

      You can always ask flight attendants for help in this case - they know what to do. They also have special equipment to convert arrhythmias.

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