Depression and disappointment after P.S.V.T. episode

[Mstislav]

I have had P.S.V.T since my youth and I take 2.5 mg Bisoprolol daily to prevent episodes of arrhythmia. On Monday, I had a nasty one. My heart went right off the beat at 7.a.m. when I was due to leave the house to go to college. I could not linger as I was having a test later that morning. Although I thought my heart rate had dropped slightly-sufficient for me to walk and catch the bus, apparently it was still very fast. (Monday was extremely cold here so I thought my nauseous feeling was caused by that. ) I could not concentrate or see clearly for the test and I made a real hash of it. I had not been anxious about the test. Shortly afterwards my heart rate went nuts. I nearly blacked out, could not speak and was without radial pulse. An ambulance was called and took me to the nearest hospital, where several hours later the revert valsalva manoeuvre restored my normal rhythm. I was told that the increased heart rate had also made me dehydrated-hence the cognitive impairment. While I was pleased that my heart rate had returned to normal, later I became very disappointed and distressed. Is it usual to feel this way about your body letting you down when you need it most?

[Lizty]

I get SVTs. They are brought on by stress that I am not aware I am suffering from! The change of temperature to very cold or very hot also provokes them. Also, I can't let myself get overtired as it also contributes to a 'floppy heart.' {My doctor's words!} Iguess you were more nervous about the test than you realised. And yet, other people also suffer in this way..... but maybe with stomach problems, or headaches instead. Sensitive people are more prone to having their bodies let them down at key times. Did you read recently that Michael Gove failed his driving test 5 times? Arrange another test with your supervisor when you are feeling more confident I suggest.

PS. During my second driving test [I failed..] My wind up watch gained 45 minutes. Can't explain that!!

[nextadventure]

Goodness Mstislav, you should be receiving massive support, sympathy and encouragement.

What you have been through is massive. You are young. You suffered cognitive impairment not because of dehydration but because your heart rate and ejection volume was obviously insufficient to provide an adequate blood supply to your brain.

You are feeling disappointed and distressed because of what has had a huge impact for you to deal with:

1. You experienced what probably felt like a life-threatening episode. Very real

2. The secondary effects of the supraventricular tachycardia impact on your entire body physiology, which takes time to recover

3. This severely affected your college test performance and results

4. It sounds like you were on your own experiencing all this

5. ".... several hours later the reverse valsalva manoeuvre restored my normal sinus rhythm". That is a long time to wait for resolution while you are distressed and symptomatic!!

5. You don't know if or when this will recur

Be gentle with yourself, get as much medical advice and support as possible, and don't allow others to minimise what you went through. Some people develop PTSD after experiences such as this. If this recurs, call an ambulance early. I hope the medics have given you further advice and are following you up. Hoping you don't have a repeat of this experience - and that you got a certificate so your test results don't count!