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Useful technique for SVT attacks

Posted , 85 users are following.

Guest
Guest

Hi, just had an SVT attack and thought I would share with you all the technique that just worked for me, and it's worked twice before as well.

Basically you just lay on your right hand side, curl up into a bit of ball (ie knees tucked up and head forwards, fetal position) and then just completely relax, make sure you're horizontal, especially your head and neck. Don't know why it works, but it seems like for me it does. Funnily enough lying on my left hand side can sometimes trigger SVT. Weird eh?

I had already tried the 'breath in deeply and hold your breath for 10 seconds' and 'breath out hard through a narrow tube' methods and they didn't help.

Anyway, remember it and hopefully it might help someone.

Simon.

17 likes, 170 replies

170 Replies

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  • Guest
    Guest

    Posted

    Thanks Simon!! This technique worked for me. I had an attack on Saturday night - I tried all of the other techniques I had been told about by Doctors but they didn't work. Your method worked straight away!
  • rosdiah
    rosdiah

    Posted

    Hi... stumble upon this website while finding out what is svt..

    btw, its true that the method you mentioned work out..

    i have tried it like twice at work..

    recently i have an episode and i went to see a gp.. he referred me to a hospital and asked me to go there directly at the a&e. they have to inject drugs to make my heartbeat go down to normal..

    i m glad though that i can seek comfort from reading all the experiences here even though you guys and gals are so far away from me..

  • Guest
    Guest

    Posted

    Glad to see it worked for other people, that's great smile

    I've noticed it doesn't always work straight away. The last time I had SVT was about 3 weeks ago, and it took a few attemps and bit of walking about and stretching my chest (you know like when you're tired or yawning, and you arch your back and reach your hands behind your head), but it did work eventually after about ten minutes, so it's worth trying it a few times. I think sometimes the heart needs to tire a little before it can go back into it's normal rhythm.

    I also think the stretching the chest bit is beneficial, stretch your chest, then lie down on your right hand side, fetal position and relax completely (not easy during an SVT attack I know).

  • Guest
    Guest

    Posted

    Hi,

    I'm 19 and I've had SVT since I was born...The one thing that is failsafe for me is getting on all fours then tucking my head under as close to my knees as possible and holding my breath. Just thought I'd leave that on here in case it helps anyone.

    Sofie x

    • ashley_14340
      ashley_14340 Guest

      Posted

      Hi, I'm 19 too and i was diagnosed with SVT last year. Doctors want me to have surgery. Have you had surgery ?
    • delia9
      delia9 ashley_14340

      Posted

      I've had PSVT for 25 years now. Mostly PAC/PVC. I take beta blockers and "try" to keep stress under control also no caffeine. No surgery for me.
    • GrahamB
      GrahamB ashley_14340

      Posted

      Hi, I have not had the ablation yet, but just been referred for treatment. I have no issues with having the treatment. It is a necessary evil and a permanent fix in most cases, so I am looking forward to getting it all behind me.
    • johnnydesk
      johnnydesk ashley_14340

      Posted

      Hi, Ashley-

      I'm in my mid 60s and have had svt for maybe 3 years or so. I finally got tired of the 5 to 10 episodes a year and had them attempt an ablation. It didn't work--the doctor couldn't find the source. That was a year and a half ago. I'm tired of having these episodes continue to recur, so I'll probably ask them to try again, with a new strategy. The ablation doesn't really hurt, but it can be unpleasant. They sedate you, but don't knock you out, so you can communicate with the doctor without feeling anxiety. I guess it would depend on how disruptive svt becomes in your life on whether to have an ablation done. Mine occurs several times a year and each episode last anywhere from a couple of minutes up to 8 and 14 hours in my two worst ones. So, if you have frequent bouts, I'd recommend you have it done and over with, assuming it works. Again, I'm willing to have them try one more time. Good luck.

      John

    • tanya50307
      tanya50307 ashley_14340

      Posted

      Hi,

      I've had the ablation of course it worked for a while but now its back. so now my doctors says he has to go in deeper .So it is not a guarantee procedure . I will not go back again if I can help it. I will live with it.

    • Lolasmom
      Lolasmom johnnydesk

      Posted

      Hi John,

      Just wondered whether you have had a 2nd abaltion. I too had an unsuccessful one last June/16. Was so disappointed. They too could not detect the source.

      I am 61 and have only started this 1 year ago. Tried the beta blockers but could not functon on thme. After the unsccessful ablation, I did not continue beta blockers

      Seeing my specialist in Februay again.

      At the time of abaltion the specialist told me there is only about a 3% chance of this not working.  Wow, we are the 3%

      He could not give me an accurate reason, but just blamed the medication I was taking for anxiety.

    • Guest
      Guest Lolasmom

      Posted

      I'm 57 years old and have had SVT for 50 years. As we age our bodies can become more sensitive to stress. Do everything you can to avoid the imbalance of stress. Make sure you focus on a good diet, exercise, and that you get enough rest. Also be careful with extremes in anything, finding that balance and focus that comes from disciplined approach to all you do. When I'm out of balance, more and longer attacks occur. If I focus and avoid vices such as caffeine, alcohol, refined sugar, any type of medicine, including antiinflammitories such as Advil, the body will become less stressed and you can keep attacks to a minium. I've also documented that exercise is critical to keeping my episodes almost to none or few. 

    • pammied
      pammied Lolasmom

      Posted

      Hi Lolasmom

      I have just been diagnosed with svt approximately two years after my first episode.

      Previously not been able to capture on ecg. Recently had episode that I could not stop so called ambulance after 35 mins.

      Heart rate captured at constant 190.

      En-route to hospital, reverted to normal rhythm. Longest episode was 1 hour 10 minutes.

      Cardiologist is suggesting best option Ablation. Says this is totally effective in 95% of cases.

      In last 15 months have had 6 episodes - only 2 lasting over 45 mins.

      The rest have been 2-10 minutes. I am female 58.

      Don't fancy life-long beta blockers as already experienced side effects from various blood pressure meds to find one that is ok.

      Worried about risks of ablation.

      Any thoughts, help or advice?

      Pam

    • Lolasmom
      Lolasmom Guest

      Posted

      Hi there Vader,

      So sorry, I never saw your post to me.

      Boy, having SVT for 50 years. I can not imagine. I am afraid to go on holidays and have an episode somewhere where there is no help incase I need it.

      Have not not considered ablation?

    • Lolasmom
      Lolasmom pammied

      Posted

      Just woondered how you are doing, Have you had an ablation?
    • pammied
      pammied Lolasmom

      Posted

      Hi Lolasmom

      I am good. Not had Ablation yet - was booked for 31St July but consultant has changed to 9th August.

      I am comfortable with my decision to do this.

      Recent echocardiogram was good. Got a 24-hour ecg tape tomorrow to follow up on some ectopic beats I have been having.

      No episodes of svt since end May but quite a few days where had a lot of ectopic beats.

      Will be glad when it is done so that hopefully these issues can be resolved.

      Hope all is good with you.

      Have your had any more episodes?

      Pamela

    • gene91169
      gene91169 Lolasmom

      Posted

      I had my ablation late yesterday, Lola, and am back home.  My physician is quite confident she "got it", and I, of course, hope she did.  I've had a couple of demanding days, but I received excellent care from the medical crew and my spouse (she's a nurse practitioner).  I feel better than fine right now and, as I've written you before, I'm very much looking forward to the great news I'll eventually hear from you about your successful ablation.  Take care, and thanks so much for your support. 

    • Lolasmom
      Lolasmom pammied

      Posted

      Hi Pamela,

      Sounds like you are doing well.  Please kwwp me posted how Ausgust 9th goes. Exciting to know that this can be put to rest, and you can enjoy life again.

      I have had 2 episode in the last month. Seems to be getting closer......

      Where are you having your ablatioan done?

    • Lolasmom
      Lolasmom gene91169

      Posted

      Oh Gene,

      I am so happy for you. Good for you.

      I was thinking of you today wondering how everything was going.

      Please try to relax and you are very lucky to have an experienced wife to look after you.  Be pampered and enjoy your new life.  SVT is a thing of the past

      So glad your did well

    • Lolasmom
      Lolasmom

      Posted

      Just checking in on you.......
    • paullie
      paullie gene91169

      Posted

      Congrats Gene on your ablation...onto regular heartbeats!
    • gene91169
      gene91169 paullie

      Posted

      Thanks, Paullie.  I'm back to normal activities, feeling well, and on a fishing journey with a grandson.  All my best to you.

    • linda90194
      linda90194 pammied

      Posted

      I had my ablation in October. Very small risk. It was fixed and the doctor told me that it is 95% effective. I had SVT for probably 5 years but would never show up when the doctors wanted it to. I was having a Christmas Party and had an episode that took me to the hospital by ambulance. It had resolved itself by the time I got to the hospital. I had some tiredness and a little short of breath after the ablation. It resolved after 3 months. I'm glad I had it done. I don't have SVT anymore , however,during the ablation, the doctor found 4 more abnormal rhythms. Atrial tachycardia, atrial flutter,atrial fibrillation and asymptomatic tachycardia. I may have to have an ablation for atrial tachycardia as I take medication for that but it still bothers me. 

    • Lolasmom
      Lolasmom

      Posted

      Hi Gene,

      Just checking in to see how you are doing

    • gene91169
      gene91169 Lolasmom

      Posted

           How kind of you, Lolasmom.  I truly appreciate your thoughtfulness.  Four weeks after my ablation, I'm doing very well.  Some flutters, but nothing sustained.  Fewer extra beats, too, and I sure don't miss the missing ones.

           I'm back to normal activities for me.  Lots of outdoorsy activity (long walks, fishing, and yard chores), much of it in very high temperatures and humidities.  Regular and fairly vigorous resistance training, too.  Oh yeah, seven young grandchildren challenge me physically, too.  I suspect you know that I'm not sharing this out of ego, but hoping to encourage us SVT folks to keep seeking good help.  If my improvement continues, my 70s just might become the most satisfying years of my adult life.

           I'm very much looking forward to optimistic reports from you.  That would be quite a highlight for me.  Take care,   Gene

    • Lolasmom
      Lolasmom gene91169

      Posted

      I am so very happy for you Gene. I appreciates you comments and positive attitude.  Summer takes on a whole new experience when you are feeling good and can enjoy all it offers.

      I will certainly let you know when I have my 2nd attempt.  Just about finished my weaning of medications.

      Take care and enjoy the rest of your summer  

    • RichardG
      RichardG johnnydesk

      Posted

      Hi Johnnydesk, can you explain a little more about the unpleasantness of an ablation, Please? I am considering going in this direction for my SVT's. Thanks.

    • linda90194
      linda90194 RichardG

      Posted

      With my ablation, I was completely asleep. Afterwards I had to keep my legs straight for 4 hours. They kept checking my groins to make sure there wasn't any bleeding. Checked for that after I got home and checked for any swelling.

      it took me a good 3 months to recuperate. I had a little shortness of breath and was very tired. Went to see the doctor a month later to make sure everything was still doing okay. 

    • Tatarewicz
      Tatarewicz delia9

      Posted

      University hospital Docs recommended magnesium supplement which I take daily; may have helped with actions which I posted earlier.

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