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Are my tachycardia fears legit or unwarranted?

I'm a 26 y/o F, 153 lbs/5'7".  Since the age of 15 I've experienced extreme bouts of what I presume to be a steady tachycardia (approx 200 bpm) about three-four times / year that last for about twenty mins.  My first one was during a basketball game warm-up, and I've since gotten them mostly during nights out with my friends, watching my sports teams in close games, and once or twice after a night of drinking.  My most recent one was during a very close football game that I was nervous watching.  The only thing I've found to really help is having extremely cold air blow in my face.  I never feel sick or lose conciousness... just get dizzy and a bit uncomfortable.  Since my last one I've been so terrified of it happening again that I'm afraid I'm developing an anxiety disorder (complete with panic attacks) everytime I go out with my friends.  My mind is slowly convincing me this is going to kill me and I truly feel like I'm going crazy.  I'm considering an expensive trip to the cardiologist, but are my fears unwarranted?  After my first "episode" I did wear the Holter monitor and everything came back fine.  They said if anything, my heart beats slower than normal.  Any help you can give will be extremely appreciated and hopefully help me sleep at night.  I truly truly mean that.
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187666 tn?1331173345
I've had arrhythmias all my life. They used to be a lot worse (more frequent- many times a week, faster rate and longer duration). Then I had 3 ablations which brought them under control. Yes, I still have things going on in there but they're easy enough to tolerate (only a few a week, most last under a minute and rate is 150-198).

Valsalva works well if you use it within the first few minutes. If you wait too long, the tachy is harder to stop. I take a breath, hold it and push for about 10 seconds. I can feel my heart protest, thump hard and it's uncomfortable. Then I let my breath out slowly. If I release it suddenly, the tachy tends to come right back. And I may have to do this 3 times.

The good news is that PSVT is not life threatening in a structurally normal heart. You're right - a trip to the doctor is the only way you'll find out what's happening and if it's going to be a problem for you long term. I do have a calcium channel blocker I can use if my heart's being very bad but I usually don't have to take it. Take care.
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Avatar universal
Thank you so much for your prompt response!  How long have you been experiencing your PSVT's?  How many times/year and how long do they last?  I don't want to diagnose myself by any means, but before getting on here I've been doing a lot of research and the PSVT definitely fits the bill best.  Do you take meds?  I tried the valsalva last time for like ten seconds but was afraid to keep doing it after it didn't have an effect.  I know I need to suck it up and go to a cardiologist for piece of mind, but talking to people who have similar issues really helps too :)
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187666 tn?1331173345
Ah, but were you having a tachy time when you wore the Holter? If you didn't, then they didn't really see what was happening. If you know some of the triggers for your tachy, then an event monitor would be better. Those are typically worn for a month; when you feel your heart act up, you push a button to record the event. It only records about 90 seconds so you have to try to catch the beginning and the end so they can see how it starts and stops. They would explain it all to you at the time you get a monitor.

I can't say whether your tachy is anxiety or a rhythm disorder. I have PSVT which sounds very similar to what you're experiencing and mine is not life threatening. I'm 56 so that must be true.

The cold air in your face is similar to one of the vagal maneuvers - splashing ice water on the face. I use the Valsalva - take a breath, hold it and bear down like having a bm.

Stress, alcohol, caffeine, certain cold meds, some strenuous activities are all triggers for tachy if you're prone to it. Those of us with documented rhythm problems tend to avoid our personal triggers.

It would be a good idea to see a cardiologist, get the answer to this and perhaps get it fixed or at least get it under control with a medication. Good luck.
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