How do you deal with SVT at work?

[HowMyHeartSings]

Hi - relatively newly diagnosed 8 weeks ago & now getting daily occurrences of SVT - just moved up from one tablet 2.5 mg of Bisoprolol to 2.5 twice a day. My biggest concern is returning to work and dealing with any episodes there. I’m the director & public face of my organisation, leading meetings and expected to attend a lot of public functions in the evening too. Currently I’m exhausted and anxious in bed by 9PM. Any experiences to share on how you manage this condition & work?

Thanks so much.

[KRG13]

Hi, I totally understand your fear. I speak publicly too and it is scary to think of an episode then. Take a few days to figure out what terminates your episode. Vagal manouvere, ice water or an sos pill. Once u know that, empower yourself with info. Stay hydrated at work and eat timely meals. Avoid hypoglycemia. Bending over triggers my episodes so I mindfully avoid it.

Let a close co worker know your condition and allow him or her to help you if and when needed. Dont be embarrassed or scared of an errant heart and it will behave better.

I hope this helps..

[Ernest76]

You have a good reply from KRG13. In addition try completely cutting out alcohol and caffeine. Clipper tea and coffee is the best for me. Hope you feel better soon.

[HamishBoxer]

You may find a short while on the Bisoprolol that things improve.

[RoyMacDonald]

I also felt very tired on Bisoprolol so I went back to my doctor and she prescribed Nebivolol (half a 2.5mg tablet at night) She also reduced my Statin to 10mg. Result was I've been sleeping much better and the tired feeling has gone and I feel much better overall.

Hope this helps.

Roy

[Oldladyw]

I had SVT for decades, from my 30s to my 60s when I finally had an ablation. I was a teacher and often had a spell while I was teaching where I couldn't actually run out of the room. I would just carry on , and if I got the chance I'd take a deep breath and hold it or cough or bend over and pick something up off the floor and my rhythm would convert on its own. If it went on for hours, I would visit the ER, and they would convert it. It was scary and a nuisance, but it was always most pronounced during periods of stress and menopause. I took atenolol which helped some. They are not dangerous but I am still very sensitive to my heart , and any flutter or skipped beat triggers anxiety in me. The best way to deal with them is acceptance. And ablation is always an option.

[Spanaway]

Praying this change works for you, please keep in mind, your alive to deal with any issues🙏

[Deadslow]

Thank you for sharing this, I had an 'episode' at work last week and ended up collapsing in the staffroom, I teach 5 year olds. I am really nervous of returning to work with the loop recorder that is being inserted on Friday. I keep reassuring myself that all the staff know and that I know what it feels like and I can walk out of my classroom and into a quiet space to deal with it. My diagnosis is yet to be worked out, it changes from SVT to AF. I am worried about being able to cope with the extreme tiredness and dizziness I feel and also driving to work. I am finding it reassuring that others too know how I feel, thank you.