Experiencing new arrythmias since SVT ablation

[Chameleons]

Hi everyone

I had an ablation for SVT (AVRNT) 4 months ago, the ablation has cured the SVT, but I now have what feels like atrial flutter every night. It feels like the top of my heart is fluttering fast, but the rest of my heart stays at a steady beat, it's a horrible feeling.

Has anyone else experienced different/new arrythmias after ablation?

I'm glad I had the ablation as I don't get SVT any more, but I'm really worried I've now developed atrial flutter!!

I'm due my check up with the cardiologist in 2 weeks and I'm just hoping he says it's just part of the ablation recovery.

[rosyG]

sorry you are worried. I think it's normal to have different runs after ablation of any sort so don't worry and ask at your appointment. If you have a Kardia try and record so they can see what's happening

[CDreamer]

AFL is transmitted through to the ventricles so you will often experience a much higher HR with Flutter and in my experience, Flutter made more symptomatic and ill than any other arrythmia.

The more I read the more it seems that whilst ablation may often cure one arrythmia, it can lead to others such as increased ectopics, tachycardia, bradycardia, short QT and others.

AFL shows as a saw pattern on an ECG so it’s really easy to diagnose and is a regular, irregularity so your pulse will feel regular but often fast. Ectopics on the other hand feel like a skipped beat which is very common after ablation but will often settle, especially if you practice slow breathing techniques regularly.

[Bowcat]

Hi I am 3months post Ablation and I am getting the same as you. Saw EP yesterday and said could be part of the healing process but I had to have an Ecg and also requested that I have another heart monitor fitted to double check. I feel a lot better than before the op, so I hope you do too? Try not to worry.

[Chameleons in reply to Bowcat]

Hi Goldsnake

I do feel much better since having the op, the SVT's were really impacting on my life, I was getting them frequently and they were lasting up to 2 hours at a time, and they made me feel like I would pass out if I didn't lie down, which wasn't ideal when I got them in work or on public transport!!

I've had them since I was 18, I'm 48 now and really wish I'd had the ablation sooner, but it was hard to catch the SVT, and as you probably know, they never seem to happen when you're monitored up! Anyway an episode in work, and a worried colleague who thought I was having a heart attack, did the trick, an ambulance was called and the paramedics caught it, my heart rate was between 260 and 290 beats and the cardiologist made the diagnosis of AVRNT.

I'm so glad I've found this site, I love that everyone is so supportive, and it's great that people understand what you're going through, and share their stories x

[Bowcat]

Yes I was the same and it's very dibilitating. Still getting the pre-fainting spells so having to have another heart monitor.

Hope you begin to feel better soon.

[Chameleons in reply to Bowcat]

Fingers crossed for you, hope you get the dizzy spells sorted. Update me with the findings of your heart monitor, I'm tempted to buy a Kardia but don't want to get hung up on taking readings too often, I'm bad enough with my blood pressure machine!

[Bowcat]

Will do but on waiting list for heart monitor so not sure when that will be!

Take care.