Does anyone else notice an increase in SVTs during peak summer?

[KRG13]

Hi all, I have posted a couple of times before and am really grateful for all the support that this group offers. I have been able to keep my episodes of tachycardia well spaced with yoga, hydration and rest. The summer has set in here and the day temperatures have already touched 40* Celcius. (104 * Fahrenheit). I try and stay indoors during the afternoon and maintain good hydration, but the episodes have suddenly become very frequent. I have had short episodes of the heart rate galloping to 195-200bpm 5 times in 2 days. (Whereas it had reduced to once in 10 days previously) Has anyone else experienced this worsening of the arrhythmia during the summer? Has there been anything that helped you override it? (Sometimes, I can't keep drinking fluids if I need to be out of my office for work, considering the need for a toilet is not always met). I have been prescribed propafenone but with the lovely reduction in frequency earlier, I have been able to stay off medication since a long time now.

[Longqt]

I don't know if it helps. But, I find I get heat stroke more easily as on heart meds. Just had summer here in Australia and found I had to really avoid the hot temperatures more. My SVT hasn't played up, but I found it really pays to avoid the heat. Also, going to doctor and getting advice how to help your situation would be good. As electrolytes may go out of whack with excessive heat and also excessive water. But that is as always for your doctor to discuss with you and work out the plan for you. Sorry if that wasn't helpful. But, worth a trip down to get a look over and get specialist advice on your flare ups.

[jeanjeannie50]

I've found that I'm usually quite AF free in the summer and have put it down to wearing dresses then and not having anything tight around my stomach.

Jean

[KRG13 in reply to jeanjeannie50]

I had this strong feeling yesterday too.. to not have anything around my stomach and wear a dress.. it was indeed feeling oppressive. But I thought it was probably just me! Strange to know that it affects you too!

[jeanjeannie50 in reply to KRG13]

We're not the only ones aware of restrictive clothes. Have a look at this post of mine a short while ago:

healthunlocked.com/afassoci...

[KRG13 in reply to jeanjeannie50]

Thanks for linking me to that thread! I can relate to all of that and more I always told my cardiologists that the first thing I want to do when tachycardia sets in is loosen my clothes. Now it just makes all the sense it earlier didnt .

[Shcldavies]

No, quite the opposite in fact, I find the period when we have BST (in the UK) to be best and during GMT to be be the most prolific time for arythmia symptoms. It is possible to drink too much water which will dilute your electrolytes.

[Kellyjelly]

No, for me as soon as the clocks change here in the uk my troubles increase. Almost all of my episodes happen then and my heart is generally more unsettled.

[sjanee11]

My SVT didn't have a particular trigger and the three episodes I had were in Jan, Mar, and April - all very mild temps where I live

[Grammyjks]

Actually I wonder about winter being a trigger. Talked to my cardio and he just said there are so many different triggers, who knows...and went in to something else.

[Kellyjelly in reply to Grammyjks]

I think that you get familiar with your body and your condition and even if no one else has the same experience you know yourself if you see an increase. The thing is if a certain season increases your likelihood of episodes there isn’t much you can do to avoid it 🥴, so I suppose to a cardiologist the information doesn’t mean anything.

[rhoffman86]

I am majorly triggered by the summer heat. I try to avoid the heat and stay where it’s cool to avoid episodes. I am now on metoprolol and want to avoid the heat even more now.