Vt/NSVT and pulse

[Jrlt]

Hi when having episodes of vt or NSVT can you feel your pulse ?

I’ve been happy episodes recently where I get a sudden hot flash and immediate thought that my heart isn’t beating when I try to find my pulse I can’t (I can usually always find it easily but not during these episodes) sometimes I find it quickly and calm down other times when I can feel it fear sets in and then my heart starts to pound and race.

I’ve been told it’s panic attacks but I can’t shake the “no pulse” I googled and found pulseless VT and that it can last a few seconds

Was just wondering if people could share their experiences of this arrhythmia please Im so worried something serious is happening and no one seems to address the fact I can’t feel my pulse other than saying there’s probably too much adrenaline running around during the panic that makes me not feel.

[Longqt]

I had an episode caught on a monitor for VT years ago and have diagnosed NSVT. For me, the genuine pause of a brief second or two, I could feel when it stopped and when it restarted. It literally took my breath away and I was extremely still until it carried on again. It was a noticeable stop and start of my heart. What you are describing is completely different to that. I have felt that feeling of unable to palpate my pulse. But that is because it is going too quick or my circulation to my wrist was not great. Always speak to your dr about your concerns and ask for monitoring if not already had before.

[Jrlt in reply to Longqt]

Thank you, when these episodes take over they begin with an odd sensation I can only describe as a numbness like everything in my body stops and a hot flash comes on this is usually when I reach for my pulse but it’s not there, when it does appear it’s pounding but at a regular rate before quickly beginning to get faster.

I have a lot of anxiety around my heart and most of the time I am aware of my heart beating in my chest or neck etc, it’s a constant thumping (I know this is anxiety and an over awareness) when the episodes begin I can’t feel this I can’t even focus my attention on it if that makes sense. I’m stuck in the this could be panic attacks and the rush of heat (adrenaline) makes me loose all body sensations for a brief second or it could be something more serious and I am actually feeling something that’s not right but I dont know how to convince my gp that this is a genuine fear and belief that something isn’t right and that I feel the only way to make my mind accept what is going on is to have it monitored 🤦🏽‍♀️ I feel like I’m just brushed of as anxious and panicking.

When I feel like it stops the sensation of it beating that I’m used to feeling suddenly vanishes then when it comes back it’s pounding so hard but probably around my resting heart rate before it quickly begins to get faster and faster. I hope that makes sense

[Longqt in reply to Jrlt]

If you feel you aren't listened to, change doctors. For me when I had a true pause, there was no time to think or reach for a pulse or anything. It was an overwhelming calm and a recognition my heart had stopped and my breath had stopped too. It restarted itself and I then was very breathless for a minute as it all all restarted. But I could feel it stop and start. You could always go private or get those apps on the phone that you can record a rhythm yourself etc. But I do feel reassurance that it restarted itself, this was years ago now. A big thing alot of people talk about on here is that doctors ask them if they passed out when it happened. For me I almost did, but has in hospital hooked up to a monitor and had a nurse at my bedside seeing it happen too. I hope some of that helps.

[Jrlt in reply to Longqt]

Thank you for sharing, as far as I am aware (I’ve never noticed) I am still breathing normally in fact sometimes I tell myself just to breathe through it.

I spoke to my gp yesterday who has referred me for a monitor hopefully we can catch it I’m praying it’s just anxiety and panic.

[Longqt in reply to Jrlt]

That sounds positive with your gp.

[HATEFLUTTERS]

I have NSVT and though I feel sensations in my chest while the run is occurring, I do not get a pulse that I can feel in my neck or wrist until it converts back. I don't know whether this means my brain and organs are getting nothing during this time, or if it's just reduced so much that I can't feel it with my fingers.

[meadfoot]

I have this regularly and it is really awful. The pauses last for four to five seconds with me, i feel as though my body is shutting down and then i gasp and then the pounding heart before things settle down again.

Have you had a seven day heart monitor if not ask for one, please dont accept panic attacks as a diagnosis ensure you follow it through and insist on a monitor to capture them if possible. Anxiety yes i dont doubt you have anxiety and who wouldnt with these experiences but that isnt good enough a diagnosis until a cardiologist has ruled out any cardiac issues causing your experience. Please insist on your GP following it through.

[Jrlt in reply to meadfoot]

Did you find out what it was ? After speaking to my gp yesterday I’ve been referred for the monitor, it’s such a strange experience when it happens I am completely aware and I am breathing, occasionally I do find my pulse quickly which stops the panic setting in, it’s so weird it just comes over me

[meadfoot in reply to Jrlt]

I am awaiting a monitor too. Unfortunately i have found in the past by chance nothing has happened while i am wearing the seven day recorder but we are trying one again to try to capture the events. An implantable loop recorder would be a better bet as they are inserted in the chest for months maybe a year or more to try to catch stuff.

[Jrlt in reply to meadfoot]

So does it hit you as a hot flash/flush in your chest neck and face as it starts ?

[meadfoot in reply to Jrlt]

Not necessarily, more a pause for several seconds, faintness and breathlessness.

[Jrlt in reply to meadfoot]

Ah ok I don’t think I feel that way, I get a hot sensation followed by panic and then when I try to feel my pulse I can’t but then it usually appears a second ro so later and it’s pounding then takes off racing,

I agree a loop recorder or event monitor would be ideal to capture even just one of these episodes so we know what’s happening.

[TracyAdmin Partner ArrhythmiaAlliance]

Hello, thank you for sharing your post, please do not hesitate to contact our Patient Services Team at Arrhythmia Alliance if you would like any help or information. Take Care, Tracy