Atenolol/Pregnancy/Ablation Question

[Dergna]

Hi there:

Thank you for taking the time to read my questions.  First a bit of history...

I have SVT and for the last 3 yrs have been on various beta blockers and calcium channel blockers.  Most recently I have been on Atenolol - since about Feb. I did not have good results with any of the NINE others! This one seems to be working well except for the fact that I really feel that I must rely on it.  For example if I sleep on for a couple of hours and end up taking it a couple of hours later than I usually do (during the week) I feel very weak.  

There was also about a week or 2 in Feb (between drugs) where I had nothing and had several episodes of heart rate over 180 (I can't count any faster than that).  So I know that I need something to correct it.  I keep thinking that since I feel symptom free while on the drugs, that I'm all better now so can go off them - obviously, not the case!!  

I have been told from the electrophysiologist that an ablation is not a good idea for me as the area it originates from is too close to the SA (?not sure?) node and I would most likely end up with a pacemaker. I am 29 and he says too young to do that.  So, I must stay on drugs for the rest of my life.  But, what about children?  I have put that on hold now because of this.  I feel as though I am at a dead end now.

My questions for you are:
1. Does taking Atenolol for a long period of time (ex. years) , or any beta blocker, have any problems or any adverse effects on ones health long term wise?
2. Are there any beta blockers that could be used while  pregnant or not?
3.  Are there risks involved if one doesn't take any drugs and just puts up with fast heart rates & fainting like that?  Do symptoms like that continue or worsen while pregnant?
4.  Do your Dr's at the Cleveland Clinic have better results in ablating pathways too close to that node than what I have been told.  I'm just wondering if my area of the world is not as experienced, or ....  (I'm in Canada).

Thank you for your time in answering my concerns.

[Sheila Adams]

I am a 25 year old female that was dia. Atrial tachycardia and over the last 5 years have ungone 9 ablation, permante pacemaker,and now also suffer from a 3 degree AV Block.  On Feb. 1,2000 I had a mapping ablation preformed in which 70+ places was burned and currently tak 3 medication Antolo, Paxil and Proamatine.  Six months later the shortness of breath, sleepless, light headed, dizzy, forgetfulness, pounding chest, tremleing hand, and ect symptoms have returned.  I see my cardiologist Wed.  What other surgey or treatments can be done.

[CCF CARDIO MD - DLB]

1. You should not suffer any long term health effects from the atenolol or other beta blockers.
2. Beta blockers have been used successfully during pregnancy. There are certain concerns that the drug can affect the fetus, in particular at the time of delivery and care must be taken in terms of fetal monitoring.
3. The risks depend on how long lasting any particular episode of arrhythmia is and whether you develop symptoms (such as fainting) with the episodes that you have already had. Some women do find that arrhythmia get worse during pregnancy.
4. You would need an EP study in order to make that determination. If the arrhythmia is close to the node, however, your doctor is right - the chance of ending up with a pacemaker is not small, even in the best of hands.