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SVT and sleep

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Cestrian
Cestrian

i was diagnosed last year after five years of waking up at 4am with a rapid beat. Difficult to catch as you all know. Anyway, I'm puzzled as to one particular aspect. My SVT is initiated when I fall asleep, not when I stress the heart. I haven't seen anyone else describe this as most seem to get it on exercise. Further, mine has a clear beat pattern; fast atrial beat of 300bpm and regular ventricular 75. Initially I thought it was atrial flutter but doc says it was recorded as SVT on wearing a 24 h recorder. I'm in no position to challenge. Not quite sure if I'm asking anything but does anyone experience it as I do? not that I wish it on anyone you understand wink I'm taking bisoprolol which dampens it but doesn't eliminate it. Was expecting to have ablation but then wondered whether it only be possible since mine requires sleep for onset not an active stress. Driving me nuts.

0 likes, 7 replies

7 Replies

  • mary90
    mary90 Cestrian

    Posted

    Hi Cestrian,  I understand exactly what you mean.  I do Zumba and hill walking etc with no problems at all - my heart rate goes up and down normally with exercise.  When I get an attack of SVT I am always either sitting down watching TV or in bed asleep and my heart goes from its usual 60 bpm to over 200 in a few seconds.  I had a failed ablation a couple of months ago because the cardiologist was unable to trigger an attack under the procedure and I think that stimulating it with drugs etc is never going to start it off because exercise has no effect.  I suspect I will be given beta blockers on my next appointment (which I don't want) because I can't think of any other solution.
  • ciaran33745
    ciaran33745 Cestrian

    Posted

    Hi. I was like Mary in that in 15 or so years of SVT I never had SVT as a result of (or during) physical stress but instead when relaxed, I don't think this is as uncommon as you think. I did sometimes get SVT during sleep.

    Had an ablation about 3 years ago and not had a single episode since, quality of life immensely better, so would strongly recommend one if you are suitable.

  • paullie
    paullie Cestrian

    Posted

    Hi Cestrian,

    I too experience my SVT mostly during sleep. A stressful dream will wake me up also accompanied by a racing heart. I've heard some beta blockers cause vivid dreams..so I've changed taking my med only at night time.

  • cletus31893
    cletus31893 Cestrian

    Posted

    Funny that I search for SVT forum because a pounding heart wakes me @4am to find this thread. I have SVT but this pounding heart issue that just woke me certainly wasn't SVT or atleast didnt seem to be. No real racing but pounding.... Glad to have found this site. This input from others is appreciated!
  • Cestrian
    Cestrian

    Posted

    Hi and thanks for the replies. When I've caught mine it's started without any obvious trigger. I drink no caffeine or alcohol, mainly because of this as I used to enjoy both coffee and a beer very much ;-)

    I started in my twenties with lots of ectopic beats, in my thirties with extra systoles and this flutter in my forties.

    Hopefully the beta blockers will eventually sort it out and perhaps reduce teh anxiety levels which I'm sure also contribute.

    Best of luck everyone!

  • rochelle43965
    rochelle43965 Cestrian

    Posted

    The majority of mine come when I'm relaxing in bed or trying to fall asleep.  I don't get them when I exercise.
  • CanuckGirl
    CanuckGirl Cestrian

    Posted

    Hi Cestrian, I had an ablation on January 6th, 2016 - now when I sleep on my left side I wake up (around 5am) with an SVT attack. Switched sides on the bed with my husband and didn't have one until last night, when I must of rolled onto my left side. Generally they last an hour.

    Looking forward to seeing what happens once my heart is done healing from the ablation.

     

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