HR constantly above 120bpm

[Emmawx]

Hi, I am a 25 year old female who has SVT constantly at around 140 bpm. Since about 4 years old I have been passing out which the doctors can not explain why, they always put it down to getting up too quick. Last year I noticed myself getting out of breath very easily even when having a conversation with someone I would have to stop and take a deep breath in. I went to my dr's and explained my symptoms and he was shocked to see my HR at 136 bpm. He sent me to the emergency room where I had a few tests, ECG's etc which they found nothing. They sent me home with stress. I was still experiencing these symptoms and no one knew why. I have been under a cardiologist in Basildon ever since where I had to have a 24hr tape and some more tests done. He explained to me that I had SVT constantly. I had an attempted catheter ablation in January but he was unable to find where it was coming from, so he was unable to ablate. I am due for my 2nd attempt next week so I am hoping they can find it. I am looking to speak to somebody with similar issues, thank you.

[SVTSophie]

Hi Emma, I'm in the exact same position as you with the SVT and am 25 too! I had the same problem when they did my first ablation but they still ablated? Were you sedated the first time as they kept me awake for my second one for that reason and they managed to find it the second time round. Have they put you on any medication at all? Mine was always around 160 at rest and at worst 210bpm, I've found since they've put me on Ivabradine and Bisoprolol that it takes the constant edge off but still getting 'episodes'. Keep us updated when you go back next week! Sophie x

[Emmawx in reply to SVTSophie]

Hi Sophie, thanks for getting back to me. My cardiologist gave me general anaesthetic so I was completely out so he couldn't find where it was coming from, this 2nd time I am being sedated so I am hoping they can find it this time. I have taken Verapamil which helped for about 2 months but then it just stopped working and my HR was back up to 130 bpm. My second medication I have tried and have been on for just over a month is Propafenone hydrochloride which is working and really helping me with my symptoms, I feel so much better at the moment, very sleepy and headaches but I can deal with these symptoms. I am nervous about the pain afterwards, and also my biggest fear is that they wont be able to find it again, and I don't know what happens after? I will keep you updated regarding my 2nd attempt next week. Sorry to hear you keep getting episodes, I hope you get something to keep it away soon. X

[SVTSophie in reply to Emmawx]

Think being sedated will help massively and I'm sure they'll find it. The only pain I had was slight chest discomfort afterwards but they sent me home with painkillers both times, so if you do have pain just make sure you tell them so they can send you home with something. All I will say is, just make sure you rest as much as possible and don't listen to people that say they go back to work after a couple of days because I certainly didn't! Keeping everything crossed for you Emma x

[cbsrbpm]

Following my last ablation (3rd) I too have persistent tachycardia 120 BPM. They do not want to do another ablation as the problem is too near the AV node. You are young and I am sure they they will get to the root of the problem this time. Try to stay calm as anxiety only adds to the problem, have faith in the medics. Good luck, all will be well.

Brenda🐝

[Eliza2 in reply to cbsrbpm]

Hi Brenda I too just had my third ablation and am having daily bouts of tachycardia which is what I went in for,

. I'm pretty discouraged. No more ablations as I'm now also. In sick sinus rhythm and they put in a pacemaker after the ablation. Hoping it's my heart healing as this was done just 3 weeks ago but it's not getting less. Beta blocker helps stop it but I don't tolerate it well but will have to since the tachycardia is way too upsetting. What medication are you taking now?

[cat3]

Hi Emma. I started with Tachycardia over 30 years ago and was told the only option was ablation.

After deciding against the ablation I saw a different cardiologist who prescribed Flecainide and, after all those years of crazy HRs (150+) the problem was sorted 99%. I still have the occasional SVT, lasting only seconds, but very rarely.

Good luck with your ablation ; by remaining conscious it should be so much easier to locate the precise area, though I doubt you'll know much about it m'love. Best wishes, Cat x 🍃⛅

[Emmawx]

Thanks for all of your replies, I really appreciate it, It is nice to know that people actually understand how you are feeling, anxious, upset, worried, etc. I am very hopeful that the ablation will work and get my HR back to a normal rate and stop all this passing out, but I cant help but feel worried that this ablation is going to make me worse as that's I seem to keep reading. I appreciate everyone is different but I don't feel like I have seen any good feedback after an ablation in regards to being 'cured'. But thanks again, and I will keep you updated as my ablation is scheduled for this Friday. X

[SVTSophie]

Hi Emma, how did it go? Hope you're well x

[Emmawx in reply to SVTSophie]

Hi Sophie Sorry haven't replied in a while!

It went well, it was successful thank god. They found where it was and burnt it away and since that day I have had a heart rate between 60 and 70.

Very relieved!! I have to see my consultant in October for a follow up so will keep you informed then. How have you been? X