Anyone have bradycardia after an SVT episode?

[Nikgzl]

I have had three episodes in the past year of what they think may be SVT. After having one abnormal ekg they put me in a heart monitor for a month, echo-cardiogram, and a second ekg not long after the first. I passed all the lifeline screening tests with excellent health. The cardiologist said my heart is nice and strong. He said we would look at other options if it became more of a problem. That second episode was in May. (I don't have any info on the first episode because I didn't realize what it was back in winter of last year.) Now last Monday night, my heart rate was up and it was pounding all night long, even while I slept. I went into Ambient Care and had another abnormal ekg. I wasn't going to worry about it because I knew it would probably subside. It took longer than normal and now my heart rate is pretty low for my normal. I have a fit bit and that helps me keep track of what it's doing when I feel funny. Now it's dipping down 56-58 while sleeping. And it's even 58-60 while sitting still. It's just not something that I am used to. Should I be worried over the slower heart rate? I do feel like I have symptoms with it because feeling funny is what makes me look at my pulse. It may sound weird but I can only describe it as feeling "heavy".

**I am a fairly healthy 42 yr old. 5' 4 1/2" tall -129 lbs -6 children. I have cut out all caffeine and cut way down on sugar. I am very active though I don't exercise. I did just sign up to the gym though. My mom does has SVT and is 59 and just had an ablation 2 yrs ago.

Last week, I did have a slightly elevated bilirubin and sugar (non fasting). They would like me to follow that up with primary care.

Any advice or thoughts?

[pnokio]

Hello Nikgzl,

I have bradycardia, my pulse at times falls down to 48. But I am asymptomatic - by cardiologist said that when and if I start getting symptoms, like dizziness or fainting, a pacemaker would be indicated. What you are describing may indicate that a pacemaker would be the way ahead. The basic problem with me in trifascicular block. I am 77, and really quite fit for my age, but your felling heavy make well be the pulse dipping quite low. Go and see your doc again, and tell him or her about your symptoms. I think pacemakers are very safe, the implanting done under local anaesthetic. In and out either the same day, or the following one. I hope this helps.

Best

Patrick

[Nikgzl in reply to pnokio]

Thanks! I am definitely going to follow up. I need to know that all these highs and lows are either ok or need to be dealt with.

[Nikgzl in reply to pnokio]

And another thing. Is it normal for you to have an ekg at a walk in and your cardiologist not be to concerned about that ekg?

[pnokio]

I think it very likely is for the cardiologist not to be concerned. We are, each of us, the only person we really know, so when something is not as it should be, perhaps especially so with the heart, it's a huge thing for us. It is alarming, and we run to the doctor, or the cardiologist. They of course take us very seriously, but they are dealing with probably thousands of similar cases - and they know what they are looking for. If they are not concerned, as my cardiologist was unconcerned after take several ECGs and eventually an echocardiogram, as well as the 48 hour tape recording what was going on with my heart, then it's because they can see from the findings that there's nothing to be concerned about. And of course they then advise us, as my cardiologist advised me what to look for, should my bradycardia start causing problems, when I'd need a pacemaker to put it right. As I said before, go back to your GP and tell her or him about this heaviness - that may be a sign that something needs to be done. But it may not be a problem directly caused by your heart problem. For example, a friend of mine, who is okay but on medication for her blood pressure, went to her GP complaining of always feeling worn out, and tired, with her heartbeats per minute down below 60 - it's possible her symptoms were the very 'heaviness' you speak of in your self!! The problem for her was that her blood pressure medication was one that can cause the pulse to drop - her GP changed her blood pressure medication - and the problem was solved. As I say, go and see your GP and tell him about your symptoms, and set your mind at ease.

Best

Patrick