Tricks to stop an SVT episode

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anyone have some good tricks to stop an svt episode? thanks so much in advance!

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  • Posted

    Hi SJM, vasalva maneuver can help. dunking your face in ice water, and I also found curling up in the fetal position on my right side helped. the first two methods stimulate the vagal response which can reset the rhythm, taking you out of SVT. Modified vasalva worked for me but i was at the ER when i first learned i had SVT. that required help of another person. defined as, "A modified Valsalva maneuver involves a strain of 40 mm Hg pressure for 15 seconds with the patient in the semirecumbent position, followed by supine repositioning with 15 seconds of passive leg raise at a 45-degree angle."

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  • Posted

    Hi SJM1080,

    The best maneuver for me was to submerge my face in ice water. After having an episode that lasted over an hour, this was a method that worked fairly quickly.

    Definitely try this the next time you have an episode as it seems to work well.

    All the best and take care😊

    -Bobiann

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  • Posted

    Modified Valsalva (see Youtube video describing the research) has been a game changer for me. It doesn't always work but mostly it has since I learnt how. The usual Valsalva had never worked for me.

    Other methods are very slowed breathing ie take as long as you can to breathe in then as long as you can to breathe out. Like Buddhist monk style.

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