SVT new diagnosis.

[Dance3]

Hi I'm a new member

I had a funny turn in March where I ended up in A&e with heart rate of 250. I was diagnosed with SVT. Had another episode this week. Heart rate got to 260. When they tried to bring it down it just kept flipping back to tachycardia. After several hours and a cardiologist with me it came down. The day after I felt great (maybe drugged up). Felt awful all week. Is it this normal to be soooo tired? Also been started on Bisoprolol 5mg od, Flecainide 50mg bd.

Any advice would be great.

[meadfoot]

I find SVT draining, your heart cant go at that rate and it not affect how we feel at the time and afterwards. Mine goes up to 300 its awful. Hope you feel better very soon.

[Big-Ed]

I had a few similar experiences about 6 years ago, ending up in A&E but eventually diagnosed with a congenital heart defect (hole in the heart, between the left and right ventricles - it just didn't close over as a baby) which contributed to SVT. I had the nerves in the right atrium ablated during an 'ablation' procedure and it has been brilliant ever since. The procedure was carried out by keyhole surgery at Southampton Hospital, which is an outstanding facility in my view, and well run by the way.

I accept it is disconcerting to find you have a heart defect (and very much so during SVT episodes) but after diagnosis and if it is suggested you require an ablation, I wouldn't hesitate. If you are the level-headed type, the keyhole surgery is a breeze - they do know what they are doing at Southampton.

In response to the other part of your post: I used to become tired straight after an SVT episode and also to a slight degree the next day or so but it soon passed. I used to medicate with Bisoprolol with no adverse side effects but know nothing of Flecainide.

For what it is worth, be slightly cautious of getting anxious about what you might read on the internet in relation to 'bad experiences' to do with this drug or that procedure - you can usually sort out the hyped, over exaggerated drama from the productive advice/experiences.

If you feel confident with your cardiologist(s) then all should be fine - don't be afraid of asking as many questions as you want; if they dismiss you, try to change cardiologists to one you feel more confident with if you are able to do so.

Hope this is helpful.

All the best. Ed.

[Dance3 in reply to Big-Ed]

Many thanks for the reply. I am waiting for ablation too. Fingers crossed that will do the trick. Just need to get my confidence back. !

[Shcldavies]

SVT is a generic condition that will probably require more tests or monitor reaction to medication before your specific condition is known. Medication can be generic and work or you may need more specific targeted medication - only time will tell. Early self help can be a great benefit (or even a cure). What self help your specific condition requires is far more difficult to say so a good catch-all will be:

Drink plenty of water (1 to 1.5 ltrs a day)

Eat bananas and avocados as these will likely improve your electrolytes

Make sure you have enough magnesium, iron and potassium. In fact I would take magnesium supplements (not Magnesium Oxide).

Sleep for at least 7 hours, 8 or 9 better still.

Do not eat for at least 12 hours between your last meal in the evening and first the next day and do not leave more than 16 hours before eating.

Try ands breath slowly and deeply (about 6 to 9 times a minute)

No Coffee, alcohol or sugar (or at least significantly reduced amounts)

Fatty foods and processed foods/meals can be a trigger

No stressful situations

Light exercise only, walking is particularly good.

Your condition is not life threatening and can be difficult to treat properly so the Docs may not afford you the attention your condition deserves. Tell them exactly what your condition is like and how you react to your medication. Do not over or under emphasis you condition as you may get the wrong medication.

Remember your Doc knows best but will not always be right. Some medication may make things worst, but if it does the Docs will be able to have a better idea of what will work. When your in SVT do not panic, keep calm and rest, if possible at a 45 degree angle and breath slowly and deeply, if it does not pass in an hour call 999, you will have a long wait in A&E and a number of tests but each time a little more will be know about your condition.

On a personal note Flecainide made my particular condition worst (after 3 months use) but for most it is a wonder drug that greatly helps, Docs used to monitor people on Flecainide but tend not to of late so be cautions of any change to your condition and let the Doc know. Hopefully you will be one of the many that benefit from this drug.

[Dance3 in reply to Shcldavies]

Many thanks for all the advice

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