SVT Peescribed Verapamil

[Lizzy_73]

Hi everyone I have had SVT foe many years and been able to stop them myself until 3 years ago I had to go in to Hospital and also recent episode in holiday had to have Adenosind administered to slow heart rate down.

I feel my age 50 so fluctuating hormones maybe making it mire difficult to stop ?

Would like to hear from anyone with SVT and how your condition is managed plus any side effects from medication ?

Thanks

Liz x

[Crystal614]

Hi, I have SVT. Had it for many years. An attempt at ablation has been attempted but it was unsuccessful. Reluctantly I started taking Flecainide 200mg a day. It is capped at that as I have a pacemaker any higher then they would probably have to change the pacing threshold. I have CKD and MVA, when I first started taking it it affected my kidney function and made it worse, although my kidney function did improve it has dropped down again. That is the only problem I have had taking it. Have you considered having an EP study to see if the SVT can be ablated?

[Lizzy_73 in reply to Crystal614]

Hi Crystal Thanks for your reply, what is an EP study ?

I'm currently on no medication waiting to pick the verapamil dliw release script up from the pharmacy .

I'm seeing the Cardiologist soon also I will see what he says but good yo have thos information before I go .

Thanks again

[Crystal614 in reply to Lizzy_73]

Hi, It stands for electrophysiology . A study is done of the hearts electrical activity. It can stimulate and diagnose abnormal heart rhythms. If they are able to pin point where the problem is they may be able to do the ablation. Maybe something to consider if medication does not control the SVT? I was originally on a high dose of a calcium channel blocker but it didn't control the episodes. Perhaps something you may want to discuss with the Cardiologist when you see him? All the best.

[Lizzy_73 in reply to Crystal614]

Thank you so much thats very helpful indeed will mention this. All the best to you too x

[Tos92]

Hi Lizzy_73

I hope you’re well today.

I’m sorry to hear your SVT (supraventricular tachycardia) is back.

I do take Verapamil, 120mg twice a day. It is a calcium channel blocker so as well as working to slow the heart rate to reduce SVT, it can also prevent spasms or constriction of the arteries.

Initially, I noticed bradycardia on it (slow heart rate) but this passed relatively quickly. What I have noticed however, is that I have to have the same brand of Verapamil as alternative brands give me horrible side effects such as nausea, being sick, and feeling dizzy/drowsy.

However, I would say don’t knock it until you’ve tried it. You may find that the Verapamil does effectively manage your heart rate. You don’t say what dosage you’re on, but the dosage can be adjusted to suit your needs as well.

All the best.

Tos

[Lizzy_73 in reply to Tos92]

Thanks Tos I have been prescribed one tablet slow release 120 m

I have yet go start taking it I have about 6 episodes a year in general only recent events I've not been able to stop it .

Thanks again

[Tos92 in reply to Lizzy_73]

When you say you’re able to stop it, can I ask what you do in order to achieve that? I usually use vagal manoeuvres to get me out of a bad episode of heart palpitations.

[Lizzy_73 in reply to Tos92]

Yes the same I hold my breath usually works for me what about you ? Do you still get episodes on the medication?

[Tos92 in reply to Lizzy_73]

I still have “biggish” episodes of heart palpitations which are accompanied with sweating and pain sometimes however, my heart condition is a little bit complex as I have a congenital heart defect (myocardial bridging) that causes coronary artery spasms. These episodes are rare however.

Have you received an official diagnosis of SVT?

[Lizzy_73 in reply to Tos92]

Yes I have 3 years ago had them since 13 years of age ,I'm glad it's rare for you to have the episodes must be scary.

[Lizzy_73 in reply to Tos92]

Are you claiming PIP ?

[Tos92 in reply to Lizzy_73]

No, I still work. I don’t think I would meet the requirements anyway.

Let us know how you get on with the Verapamil if you choose to take it :).

[Yumz199725]

Hi lizzy_73 I was prescribed verapamil 40mg x2 a day about a year ago this month for ventricular Tachycardia I don't have SVT but I just wanted to mention about the verapamil what side effects you had so far x I remember it affected my appetite alot to begin with not sure why, I know constipation is a side effect which is annoying and the headaches I got terrible migraines to begin with aw was awful so I was put on sumatriptan which helped alot with the headaches I've always suffered with headaches anway that affect my eyes! 🙈. Sorry to hear how you been feeling with your SVTs 😔. I remember when I first experienced my ectopics and the pain and the sensation of the palpitations lasted hours so I went to A&E and they did blood tests and ecg but everything came back fine. Then it was investigated more with several heart monitors and stress tests then one monitor picked up the VT and then was started on medication because of how light headed I was feeling with palpitations. Sorry for going on a bit 😅🙈. Wish you all the best with the medication and hope you don't get too many unwanted side effects! 😉

[Lizzy_73 in reply to Yumz199725]

Hiya Thanks for your message ,I have not started the drug yet will be 120 mg slow release one in the morning.

I'm sorry you have had those symptoms I am a bit worried as I'm pretty fit and well and do sport etc

There is no one else in my family with this it's been a bit scary as I'm sure you feel the same

Thanks for this info very helpful to know .

Liz

[Lizzy_73 in reply to Yumz199725]

I'll let you know how I feel with the verapamil

[boo246]

Hi Lizzy, came across your post and wondered how you're getting on with the meds?

Today, I've been prescribed 120mg of Verapamil by my Cardiologist. Looking through the possible side effects is scary!

[Positif]

Hi Lizzy I was diagnosed with SVT in September this year aged 63 I have since been prescribed Verapamil 120mg in the morning along with Vastartan for high blood pressure and a statin at night I was previously well and active so this all came as a bit of a shock but I am fine on the medication, no side effects. I have got myself a smart watch which monitors my heart rate which gives me a bit of peace of mind. I am trying to just get on and enjoy life and not worry but it has given me a wake up call so I am doing moderate exercise daily, mainly walking and chair pilates and I am back at Slimming World for healthy eating and weight loss. We are all different and our journeys are not the same but stay positive and I hope the meds work for you xx