Hi, I have SVT (AVNRT) and occasionally my heart rate jumps to about 150. It stays there for a few minutes and I find if it doesn't drop then if I lie on my back it usually resets it. I'm not on any meds. My resting hr is in the low 40's so I don't want to risk making it go lower with meds. At worst it stays high for say 2 hours.
I have an implant loop recorder and I see my cardiologist every 6 months. The cardiologist recommends an ablation but as my episodes aren't too frequent (one or two a week maybe but hardly noticeable plus others maybe once a month that last a bit longer, say 15 mins) I am reluctant to have one.
Apart from me having to abort the odd cycle ride it doesn't really affect my quality of life. I am 63 years old.
I am worried that if I have an ablation there is a risk that it will make matters worse and I will take say 3 months to recover and still be no better.
I see my cardiologist on Friday and I will need to tell him whether I want the ablation or whether I wait another 6 months or so.
Any comments would be appreciated.
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Fazerboy
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I'm 25 days post RF ablation and cant believe how hyped up i let myself get over the procedure. Sure. There's risk but they are comparable with getting in a car wreck on the way to the hospital. Get a high volume Dr. and trust his judgement. The worse complication i had so far is pain in my wrist from a arterial line. The procedure was a breeze. I'd have a second ablation done with no second thought.
Yes. Better than normal so far. I'll likely always be on my meds due to my HCM (genetic heart diesease). The HCM lowers my chance of successful ablation due to a enlarged LA. The hope is that Ablation + Sotalol keeps me in SR and out of the hospital. I tolerate my meds well. Just got tired of the cardioversions (40+ cardioversions). My afib is RVR and I'm very symptomatic. Afib for me means straight to the ER and a shock.
Thanks. Your situation is far worse than mine (unfortunately for you) in that you have needed all the cardioversions and trips to hospital so having an ablation is understandable. I am lucky in that I've never needed to go to hospital or take any meds. I know I'm very lucky but it means that it is a harder decision for me.
I have had three so far and been AF free since 2008. I have been with this forum sicne we started and can not recall anybody saying they regret having one. OK there may be people whio report complications but do remember that those with success stories seldom stay onthe forum as they are foo enjoying life.
That said realistic expectations are important and yes it will take three to six months for your heart to fully heal. Read our fact sheet on Recovering from Ablation available in patient resources on our (AF Association) website.
BobD, I've seen many of your posts and I've seen the factsheets. My problem, if I dare call it that, is that those that have had ablations were in very poor health beforehand and so when they regard the ablations as successful their QOL is still worse than mine is now before an ablation. Talk of 3 to 6 months to let the heart fully recover etc from what is a traumatic experience seems to be something that I may be better not going through or certainly not at this stage. I tend to think that over time I may get worse and the decision will be easier, and possibly advances in technology may mean ablations are even less intrusive than they are now. I think most on this site would gladly change for my symptoms which I accept.
If your heart issue isnt really reducing your quality of life then I think you're absolutely correct in being reluctant on the ablation. I held off on ablation as a last resort. My afib started out at one cardioversion a year. I'm strong. No problems. I can handle that. Then it was two cardioversions a year. Then it was three. The last 6 months of 2018 I had over 8 cardioversions. That absolutely broke me down. Both mentally, financially and physically. Being mentally tough, living a healthy lifestyle and medications could apparently only take me so far.
As far as recovery. I've been amazed at how easy its been so far (knock on wood). I constantly have to remind myself to take it easy. To not overdo it. Every once in a while I'll get a wrist pain (arterial line hit a nerve I guess) and every once in a while I'll have a skipped beat. Granted its only been a month since my ablation. I feel great and am about to start a walking routine to build back up my cardio. 8 months of cardioversions and taking it easy has wreck havoc on my cardio stamina. I went from being able to jog a 100 yards to having to take a break every 100 yards.
Another note on doctors and cardiologist. Get a second opinion. My EP who implanted my ICD, who is at a high volume center and who I trust told me my only option was a surgical procedure called the "convergent". I felt like they were trying to sell me a new car. The entire experience felt off. I got two more opinions. Both other opinions told me I was a perfect candidate for a RF ablation and that they wish I would have come in to see them sooner. The surgical option is always on the table if my cath ablation fails but I cant imagine if I hadnt had gotten second opinions and went ahead with a surgical procedure. Letting someone slice into my body will always be a drastic and last resort. I now question the need for me to have my ICD and question my first EP's intentions. Never the less. Get a second opinion.
Clem, Thanks. It sounds like you have had a rough time and in your shoes I'd definitely have had an ablation. As to second opinion, I'm actually on the second one already. The first cardiologist checked me out then wrote to me to say that I would be pleased to hear that there was nothing wrong with my heart! Absolute garbage, you know when it isn't beating correctly. I have 100% faith in my new cardiologist.
BobD, I think you have hit the nail on the head with the "when the pupil is ready" comment. I think I will know myself when I am ready to go for an ablation, I don't think I'm there yet. A lot of family and friends etc all encourage me to have it done on the basis that this is what the cardiologist advises etc but it isn't their heart that is going to be burned and scarred.
I would add that this is a great site and your comments are always helpful and based on knowledge and experience.
BobD - not related to this post but, towards the end of last year a gentleman told of his heart problems and I think you gave him advice etc. He went on a coach trip with a relative to the war graves (not sure where) & told us how poorly he was.
I may have missed any further update/s but wondered if you or any others know or have heard how he is doing?
Interested in you saying that it takes 3-6 months for your heart to heal after ablation. I thought the healing for ablation was only 3 months.? My ablation was in October 2018. Sadly it didn’t improve my afib. January through May I continued with lots of afib.. Fortunate, so far this month I’m having very little afib, but I believe the improvement is do to some natural self help methods I’m using. Have not contributed this improvement to ablation.
Hi. I have been offered an ablation lots of times. I have always refused as medication keeps mine from effecting QOL. Personally, for me, if it wasnt affecting my life then I wouldn't have it done. It is still an invasive procedure, and while it is brilliant, why risk it making things worse? Worst case scenario and all that....
Ultimately your decision, but you sound very unsure. Go with your gut decision. Remember you can always have it done if things get worse. Good luck.
Hello there , I’ve just had an ablation for the very same thing . 4weeks ago . I’m your age and was told these Arrhythmias get worse as you get older , my episodes were less frequent than yours , one a year . But lasted for a few hours ! That’s not good for the heart ! Ended up in A and E with last one and had to have adenosine! Not pleasant , that’s when I decided to go for the ablation, didn’t really like the thought of being on beta blockers forever ! I have had svt all my life , but recently in my sixties getting worse ! This procedure wasn’t available when I was young , but these days it s very safe and highly effective! I’m feeling better , but early days , will have to give it time for heart to heal up properly. The procedure itself is a bit weird , but ok , I had mine with just sedation and it was over in an hour . So go for it while you can , there’s no harm going to be done as svt is very unpredictable and unpleasant as you know , hope all this helps , any questions, please don’t hesitate to write back . X
Thanks. I think that things aren't going to improve and as the rogue pathway gets used more and more then I assume it will start to become the norm so in that respect having it done sooner should be better.
Definitely nothing to be scared about. I’ve had two. However, it is all about improving quality of life. If you’re presently OK with aborting an occasional bike ride and it’s not a particular problem for you then wait. Only you can make the decision regarding it being too bothersome. Ablations are routine procedures and assuming you have a competent EP, the risks are very low. Recovery is not necessarily an issue and many people feel so well afterwards that they have difficulty following instructions and taking it easy for the few weeks afterwards.
Thanks. It is getting more of a nuisance mainly because I never know when the SVT will kick in. As you say ablations are routine now and I think an ablation for SVT (AVNRT) is an easier fix than one for afib in that afib starts from various points whereas AVNRT is only in one place (I think).
7 weeks today I had my first ablation, and it's the best thing I've ever done. I was very anxious about it as you are, and up until last year I only had paroxysmal afib with fast tachy during episodes maybe 4-5 times a year . Then last April I got a bad viral infection which sent my afib into a spiral which became more persistent in nature and I was advised to have an ablation only being 53 I wanted some QOL restoring . The procedure isn't nowhere near as bad as you think, in my head I made it a lot worse than the actual day was in reality , I was under sedation for over 6 hours, and would do it again if needs be. So far I've been getting better each week, you get a few bumps on the way, nothing serious, and I for one don't have any regrets at all and would do it again tomorrow. Ive so much more energy, can walk a few miles already and don't have that impending doom feeling the afib used to regularly share with me. Personally, I would 100% say to anyone offered an opportunity to ride themselves of serious symptoms and the burden of constant afib attacks, go for it!
I am also very reluctant to go down the ablation route, and would not consider it unless my quality of life is reduced to a point I feel the risks and drama are worth it, but more importantly not until I have exhausted all other options. By which I mean lifestyle, diet, exercise, supplements, alongside some medication. There is possibly something you have been doing a lot of over the years that needs to change. It could be a combination of things. Certain types of processed meat, too little exercise, too much exercise, breathing, gluten, tyramine ... I would firstly look at all aspects of your day-to-day life and also see a nutritionist.
While I wholeheartedly agree that healthy lifestyle choices are important, I disagree that there is something this poster is doing to cause his svt. AVNRT is an extra electrical pathway in the heart that most people are born with. Ablation is, in most cases, curative for AVNRT. Medication is not always the best route and comes with its own set of problems - side effects, toxicities, burden on kidneys, etc. Ablation is no longer reserved for “last resort” treatment as it is highly safe and effective. Moreover, it is more effective when it is done early, rather than later, as many arrhythmias become resistant to ablation the longer they have been present.
Hi, to both of you. Thanks for the comments. I am aware of my triggers, tiredness (after cycling say 60 miles), adrenaline (sudden surprise or anxiety) and bending over (to tie shoelaces etc). I'm not aware of any dietary triggers but I don't drink alcohol or coffee. I have been told that pill in pocket type meds won't help because my episodes usually only last for a short time (say 20 mins max). I also have a very low resting hr so I don't want to take meds that may lower it further. I think ablating for AVNRT should be more straightforward than for afib etc. I'll discuss it with the cardiologist on Friday.
Hi my AVNRT was finally diagnosed during the ablation procedure (EP study) after 6yrs back/forth to GP & A&E after “episodes” my triggers were exercise/getting hot/caffeine/alcohol/dehydration so just became a nuisance and made me “avoid” life which is why the procedure was “sold” to me by my cardiologist. I agreed reluctantly and now 2 yrs later am pleased to say no further episodes, that’s not to say the stress/anxiety it caused do not linger! I was told it’s caused by an extra electrical pathway in the top chamber of my heart & that ablation for this type of SVT is offered as curative so who wouldn’t go for it!!
Onwards & upwards I now say, it’s made me totally reevaluate my life, I now live for today, eat well, exercise, & don’t take drugs of any kind not even a paracetamol! Works for me!
Thanks. As an earlier reply, I don't drink alcohol or coffee so that helps. Adrenaline and tiredness seem to be my triggers. I think I'm coming round to the idea of having the ablation.
I had an ablation for AVNRT in February of this year. I was terrified and came here seeking reassurance. Like you, my episodes started out infrequent and would self-terminate anywhere from a few seconds to a few minutes later. But they progressed and became more aggressive over a span of just a few months. I have a low HR too (typically high 30s to high 40s), and couldn’t tolerate meds.
I finally decided to have the ablation to get my life back. I needed to live without the worry of when it would hit and how long it would last. The procedure was very very smooth, and I was kept comfortable throughout. I have posted here before about my experience because it was so easy and I want others to know there is nothing to fear. I realize some people have had less positive experiences but you will find that the VAST majority will tell you that the surgery is nothing to fret and dare I say even pleasant. If fear is holding you back, just let that go. Besides, ANVRT is usually pretty straightforward and I bet you’ll be amazed how much better you feel afterwards. Mine was “atypical” in that my extra pathway ran in the opposite direction, and I had left sided ectopics so my procedure was about 5 hours. It took a good month or so to get my energy back (I’m an active fit 53 year old), but now I’m svt-free and very happy I did it.
Yes, I’m back to normal fitness-wise. It did take longer than what my EP predicted, but he also reassured me that everyone progresses differently, and a lot depends on your level of fitness pre-ablation. Also, you have the same triggers I had, and I really did not even realize how much it was taking out of me until now. My energy is much improved.
Hi Fazerboy, I was in exactly the same position and kept refusing an ablation for 18 years. I was given flecanide to adjust the heart rate I believe and the bisoprolol to lower the heart rate I believe so they might just give you flecanide , that is what I started on.
Having said that I finally gave in and had my ablation on 3rd January this year. Omg I was so so scared but omg it is the best decision I ever made. I would have it done again if I needed to.
You say once a week isn’t bad but really? It’s not the norm is it?
Listen to your cardiologist, he/she knows what is best for you . All I can do is to describe how I felt. The choice is absolutely yours. By the way I am 70 and wish I had had my ablation done when I was 52, and been able to enjoy life more and like I am doing now.
Thanks, another reassuring post. I discussed flecanide with my cardiologist and she didn't think it was suitable in my case (very low resting hr and svt issues recovering reasonably quickly anyway).
I see the cardiologist on Friday so I'll post on here after that. I'm getting nearer to accepting the ablation. Seems to be why not really.
My first ablation was for SVT, HR up to 250 and me fainting., often not very gracefully! I couldn’t tolerate the meds because my resting HR was low like yours. Also, it was getting progressively worse. I was 67 at the time.
The ablation was a TOTAL success. I have no regrets.
Thanks. My hr goes up to about 160 in an episode which I can live with if I have to. 250 would be worrying. You say first ablation. Have you had others?
SVT. Is an electrical problem with the right side of the heart, so relatively easy to fix with an ablation. However, when they were in there they discovered I also had multiple sites on the left side of heart, around the pulmonary veins that were starting to cause big irregularities in my heart rate. It took 2 further ablations to blast them out of existence.
That was 2 years ago and I have been totally AF free since, despite some very heavy and stressful family issues to deal with.
However, I have followed the advice I read in this forum, and we are now ‘flexitarians’, ie no red meat at all, but do enjoy fish and the occasional organic free range chicken. I also take Magnesium citrate every evening and eat almonds, spinach etc to boost my magnesium levels. I also drink a spoonful of molasses in warm water with lemon juice every morning.
I am now AF free , with the added bonus of no longer having painful debilitating muscle cramps.
Wow, maybe I shouldn't have asked. Glad to hear that it all seems ok now. I've sent recordings from my Linq Implant Recorder to the Cardiologist and he says that it is AVNRT based on that info. Hopefully that is correct and that is all that there is. I'm pretty sure I've not got AF, I certainly don't want that.
Hi, I've been told that I haven't got AF. Initially they said SVT then they said it was AVNRT (a form of SVT I think). I had a time when I thought I should be on blood thinners to stop clots forming but my Cardiologist doesn't seem to think I need them. I'll ask again though.
Can I ask why you needed a second ablation, and did you have AF?
Had ablation 20 months ago. After 4-5 month no afibb until I developed pneumonia. One month past illness, afib almost nonexistent. I'd have a second ablation if warranted in future. It's a personal decision. I figured I'd go in, have procedure and be fine. Worst of it was the sore throat following procedure. It caused coughing which cause bleeding from groin incision. Stopped quickly and all was well. I look at life as choices. I don't like flying, but I like traveling, so I fly. Not crazy about ablation, but less fond of missing out in life because of symptoms. My heart rate is now in 50s. A rapid pulse for me is 70. Afib doesnt interfere in my life. Good luck with your decision.
I had SVT. I was diagnosed in 2016 at 27 after a bout with 246 bpm and afib. I had 2 more episodes, one in 2017 (heartrate hit 250) and 2018 (maxed out at 190bpm). I was on preventative meds with my 2018 one. I had no apparent triggers and I always had to go to the er to get adenosine. After my first episode the dr told me I needed an ablation and I was firmly against it because I wasn't sure if it was a one-time deal or what. I had my ablation in 2018 and wish I had gone ahead and done it in 2016 because of the damage it did to me mentally. Obviously mine sounds a little different than yours. I also had a complication during ablation and ended up with a pulmonary embolism (due to birth control and ablation combo). However, I would do the ablation again in a heartbeat (no pun intended) if given the choice. I am still working through my residual panic and anxiety from the three episodes I had but I have had no episodes of svt and know that my QOL will be immensely better because of the ablation. I don't have to worry about more frequent episodes or the timing of them. I don't have to experience adenosine ever again (hopefully) and watching my heartrate hit 0. I have been a stay at home mom for 12 years but I am currently also working on college since my ablation. I can have a career without worrying about having to leave to get my heart rebooted! It's definitely up to you in the end but I want to reiterate that the procedure is worth it. That's coming from someone who had a complication.
Can relate to this I was 25 when I was finally diagnosed but was suffering a few years before and had my ablation in January this year at 27. It’s cured the SVT so far but now
I have sometimes my heart going into a junctional rhythm they are going to try treat this with another ablation. My anxiety and everyday life suffer terrible with the constant worry and that’s the worst part for me. Glad to hear things are getting back to normal for you.
I have never had an ablation and no doctor had ever mentioned one. I had a pacemaker installed on March 4, because of a heart rate that went so low occasionally I would faint. The pacemaker works well so far.
All, thanks for the reassuring replies. As it happens, on Sunday I had 5 episodes of high hr, one for 2 hours and 4 for 15 mins each which prompted me to ask on here. Monday I had no issues but today (Tues) my hr has jumped from say 70 to 140 9 times between 3.00 pm and 6.00 pm with durations from 1 minute to 40 minutes. I wasn't doing anything strenuous. I think this has finally answered my question. It is ridiculous really where I am sitting in the living room with my garmin chest strap hrm and my garmin cycle computer showing hr. I can feel it when it is normal or high it is just that I use the monitor to confirm it. I recorded one episode on my Linq recorder and it should have got the increase and the drop on the one 8 minute recording. So, roll on Friday when I see the cardiologist.
Sounds familiar to my experience...I was 64 and had 150 heart rates. Had ablations, and never looked back...the risk of the procedure is very low, the question of whether it works long term depends on skill of EP, other health issues, and if you haven't had it checked...sleep apnea!!
In my case...and you may be totally different...this journey discovered that I had a significant sleep apnea problem which probably contributed to/caused the issue to start with. I feel so much better generally having addressed that with CPAP, and in my case sinus/nasal surgery to improve breathing.
The one thing I would highly recommend, prior to the procedure if you haven't done this already, is wearing a heart monitor for a week or two. In my case I first had the high heart rate of 150, which was atrial fibrillation....but my EP had me wear a heart monitor for a couple weeks and determined that I also had Afib, at about 120 HR or less, which I wasn't noticing. Apparently if one has Flutter, it is also common to have Fib.
When they did the procedure, they did both the right and left atria at the same time. The flutter (high HR) was in the right atria, and Fib in the left.
Had I only gone in for flutter (150 higher heart rate), I would later have needed a separate procedure for Afib.
The other thing that influenced my decision to do ablations, was that they were becoming more frequent, and apparently data suggests ablations are more effective earlier, rather than later when they become more prevalent.
As many others have posted, I stressed out a lot over the decision to have ablations, but am glad I proceeded.
You are obviously very active...and I assume in tremendous condition if have resting HR of 40. Sure you know that even young athletes in 20's or 30's have a higher incidence of flutter/fib for whatever reason...but the ones I have spoken to in that situation have done very will after ablations.
Also, assuming you proceed with ablations, as many others have posted, recovery is not immediate. I played 18 holes of golf a week after the two ablations I had, but was winded and had some unusual sensations in my chest/neck area. They have receded and seem to be almost gone, but it has been over a year....others on this board have commented on same thing...certainly not universal, but try not to stress over things that the EP/MD's say not to worry about:-)!
Thanks. I'm pretty sure I haven't got sleep apnea but thanks for mentioning it. As to wearing a heart monitor for 2 weeks to check for afib I hadn't thought of that. I've got my implant recorder but that only records if I tell it or if my hr goes over about 185. I'll mention it to my cardiologist. He seems confident that it is AVNRT not afib.
I'm going to go for the ablation, the sooner the better really I suppose.
Ablation procedure is simple and no need to be scared (I was scared) But it is not a terrible experience. My symptoms were similar to yours and predicted to get worse. I had the procedure done about 5 years ago and now I live a better life. After the procedure I still had a few episodes for about a year but now its been 4 years without a episode. (I better knock on wood) don't want to jinx a good thing. The Doctor will tell you that the sooner the better for a better success rate. But only you can decide, but the procedure is quick and easy. Get better soon, it is and was a very scary ordeal for me to, especially when someone played with my heart..
Bob, Thanks, another reassuring reply. It is interesting that earlier this week on my post I said that I wasn't ready to go for an ablation yet. As it happens my high hr symptoms have been much more regular, up to 10 times a day, and although not dangerous they are inconvenient. With that and all of the reassuring replies I've decided that the time is right to for an ablation.
I was hoping you would decide that, don't worry the worst part is the wait. The day of your procedure will be very uneventful. The staff I found were very good where I had mine done. next thing your going home thinking why was I scared. I could do that again anytime. This is no hype it is the truth. Cheerio for you.
They are a little scary, I've had four in two years for a heart defect caused arrhythmia. But it's not as bad as you think, and it shouldn't make it worse in most cases. Also, if it knocks out the arrhythmia you'll be glad you did it, believe me! Sounds like your Dr wants to try and stop any progression because it might get worse and it cause damage over time. If its stable/and not getting worse, and If your quality of life is still good, I would ask if it's really necessary at this point. Good luck and keep us informed of your decision.
Hi, thanks for your input. Up until now it has been stable and doesn't really affect my QOL. Over the last few days though instead of having an episode say once or twice a week I'm getting say 5 or more a day. Nothing drastic, just hr up to about 150 for say 10 to 15 mins. I think it can only really get worse as the rogue electrical pathway gets more established. I expect that I will definitely need an ablation in the next year or so, so really I might as well have it now. It is just the fear of having my heart burnt that I find difficult to get used to. Interestingly though no one has said that they regret having it done. I'll post again after I see my cardiologist on Friday.
I wish I didnt have it either, but no regrets! You have heart burn now or you're worried about the ablation making it worse? Afib and others heart issue go hand in hand. I had major problems until we stopped the afib/flutter. I was taking sodium pantoprazole for heartburn/gurgle/pain for a couple of years.
Hi, a bit confused by your 2 log ins. I'm a bit worried that the ablation might make things worse when they aren't that bad at the moment but I really just need to trust the cardiologist and his team.
I'm on my wife's phone and it logged me in with an old email I dont use anymore. So I signed out and signed into the one one actually use, simple. Lol
Trust the team agreed. My EP told me that the nerves that control heart signals also control the stomach and bowel among other things. I had terrible stomach problems until after my ablation that worked and stopped my rhythm problems. I dont have hardly any problems anymore. Hope the same for you. Good luck
I saw the cardiologist yesterday (or his Senior Nurse actually). All good. I'm back on the waiting list, approx 4 months unless I get a cancellation. I asked about AF but was told that there are no signs of AF from the downloads that I have sent them.
As to my symptoms, they are getting worse in that this week I have been getting periods of high hr up to 10 times a day lasting for say 10 to 15 minutes at a time and up to 2 hours max. My HR goes to about 150 so it isn't too bad even when high. The sooner I have an ablation the better now.
Thanks so much for asking this question—and to all of you who answered. I’ve had two ambulance rides to the ER in less than three weeks. I’m going to get a consult for an ablation. Has anyone had the new ones that don’t use fluoroscopy? I’m hoping to avoid the radiation
Another update. My svt episodes got a lot worse over the last few days with my hr being around 150 all the time unless I sat doing nothing at all for ages. As soon as I got up to do anything it went straight back up.
Anyway I saw my GP and spoke to my cardiology nurse and I’ve been put on betablockers. I’m on Bisoprolol 1.25mg and so far so good. Hr back to normal and no noticeable side effects yet, certainly better than having my hr at 150 all the time.
Next question might be do I just stay on betablockers or have the ablation and hope to get completely back to normal.
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