Vt's

[Lezzers]

Hi, can anyone advise please. My husband had cardiac arrest 20 year's ago after a massive heart attack. 5 years ago he was diagnosed with heart failure & as he was high risk of sudden death he was fitted with an ICD. We do know the ICD has corrected his heart a few times in the past & at his recent ICD check up he was told he'd had 44 episodes of VT but his heart had corrected itself. Whilst its good news that his ICD didn't kick in & Papworth were pleased with this, 44 episodes seems a lot in 6 months. Am I worrying about nothing? Any ideas anyone?

Thanks for reading x

[sturon]

It is very understandable that you are worried. My partner had a cardiac arrest in December last year and has had an S-ICD implanted. We regard this as his on-board paramedic - there if ever it is needed.

I think if Papworth were worried then you should worry, but as they are happy I think you should feel reassured. I am assuming as his ICD wasn't needed that these were 44 very short bursts of VT. If you want more reassurance I would make a visit to your GP and ask if you can see a cardiologist, or ask the ICD clinic for a further review. You didn't say if your husband has his ICD checked weekly using a Latitude data exchange, if he does then you can be reassured that they are keeping an eye on him every week or however often his ICD sends data. My partner has his data check every Monday.

It is so easy for folk to say don't worry, but I know only too well that you can't help worrying, it's human nature to worry about the one you love. Papworth has a national reputation as a cardiac centre so you know his care is in the very best hands.

Take care and hope you can feel less worried soon.

Regards Ron.

[Lezzers in reply to sturon]

Hi Ron, thanks for your reply. Kevin doesn't have weekly ICD checks, he has a home monitor so he's monitored 24/7. He does a 6 monthly download to Papworth & he goes to Papworth every 6 months for his ICD check up. I'm not too too worried bout Kevins health at the moment, like you say Papworth are pleased with him, particularly as his heart corrected itself. I just wondered if 44 episodes of VT in a 6 month period would be considered a large amount, or an average amount. His nurse is coming to see us on Tuesday so I'll ask her, it's just his health team can be a bit vague at times! I hope your partner is keeping well.

[sturon in reply to Lezzers]

I know exactly what you mean about medical staff being a bit vague at time. We found we had to continually ask questions and seek clarification. They also made assumptions that because we are both for the health service that we didn't need things explaining to us. We hope when you see the nurse they are able to help answer your questions. The BHF helpline is also a good source for information if you need anything between appointments.

Thanks for ask about my partner. He is doing okay, he still gets fatigued but we are starting to plan and talk about our future so things are settling. I guess it takes time. You said your hubby had a CA 20 years ago, which my partner found reassuring that he can look forward to being a long-term survivor. That is why this forum is so helpful in sharing experiences.

All the best Ron.