How long is too long?

Last year I started having episodes of PSVT's. I went to see a cardiologist, who did an echo, assuring me i had no heart problems though i do have mild mitral valve prolapse. Since they were so infrequent the doctor told me I could take atenolol 'as needed'. four months ago i had three episodes of PSVT's in one week (they usually last 2-3 hours). With this last one I went to ER and was given a shot of diliatzem which brought down my HR quickly. I then started taking atenolol 12 1/2 mg every night. It appeared to have stopped my PSVT's (as well as anxiety). However last week I had another episode, I didn't go to ER because my insurance has excluded me for six months and besides has a high deductible. I took a 5mg valium and went to bed, it lasted 3 hours. I am wondering how long i should wait before i go to ER, when these episodes occur I never feel any dizziness or pain just terrible fear. Also my BP has dropped a lot since being on Atenolol it hovers around 95/65-70 with a pulse of about 58-68. Before my BP was around 124/75 with pulse of 74-80. Anyone have any similar experiences?

[sb786]

I too have infrequent svts. My cardiologist and ep told me it is ok to wait at home for as long as you are "comfortable". I was told that even 6 hours was ok but i guess it varies from person to person. What is your heart rate during an attack? mine is usually 200bpm.
I too take a low dose beta blocker and my bp is similar to yours and even lower at times. Did the beta blocker help keep your heart rate down during the svt attack?

[CollegeGirl143]

too long is when you start to feel like you are having trouble tolerating the beat (physically or mentally).. If you start to feel dizzy, or are working yourself into a complete frenzy Its time to go in..

[desertbelle]

Thankyou so much for responding..you have no idea how relieved I was to get any response!
During my last episode (2 weeks ago) I was too scared to take my heart beat and it was bouncing around. I think i was getting PVC's not sure..it would go 1234567....123....12...12345678... I couldn't keep track, but when i went into ER four months ago it was at 157 BPM. I took the atenolol 25mg and the valium at the same time. The valium kicked in after about 30 minutes..and my heartrate seemed to slow down after about two hours, but the valium helped me "ride" with it because i also get panic attacks!! It's all very scary though, I have never had any health problems in my life, also even with the small dose of atenolol I feel tired, some days are just more difficult than others!

[desertbelle]

I was wondering how you feel with your BP being so low. What does Your doctor say about that? Do you feel tired? I wish i didn't have to take it but it does help!

[desertbelle]

my bp has always been pretty low even before the beta blockers. it used to be 100-110/60-65, i have always been tired most of the time especially in the afternoon and evening. Since the beta blockers my bp is now 90/50 most of the time. When i started taking the meds i used to constantly feel dizzy and sleepy for about 3 months! but now i think my body has adjusted to them

Ok...You are taking them for PSVT's. Have you thought about doing 6mg atenolol. I did! For three weeks and my BP was Normal 120/75 I felt 'normal gain..not so tired, then i had some stress and the next day another episode so i went back to 12 1/2 mg, this was almost three weeks ago. I know that stress causes my problem. Will you please tell me more about your condition..How much when how often etc.? It is so good to be able to relate with someone..my daughter thinks i am going crazy sometimes because she really doesn't understand how scary it can be..Thanks, AniTa

[sb786]

my bp has always been pretty low even before the beta blockers. it used to be 100-110/60-65, i have always been tired most of the time especially in the afternoon and evening. Since the beta blockers my bp is now 90/50 most of the time. When i started taking the meds i used to constantly feel dizzy and sleepy for about 3 months! but now i think my body has adjusted to them

[sb786]

Anita, i have tried a lower dose of beta blocker and it doesn't drop my bp too low but i don't feel confident, i keep thinking i will have another long svt episode because the dose is so low. My cardiologist told me that even if it doesn't prevent another svt it should help stop it quicker.
I know that alot of people who have svt tend to have low bp and low resting heart rate too. My svts are triggered by stress too but also when i am very tired and sometimes with indigestion.
I know when i increased my dose my bp was very low for almost a month but gradually it came back upto 95/55. I am very slim and quite small so i guess my low bp is not dangerous for my body.
What do you do to try and stop a svt episode? Have you tried the valsalva manouvers or cold water? Do you also get pvcs or missed beats??

[desertbelle]

How low a dose are you taking? How long have you had the svt's and how often do you get them now you are on the atenolol? How long do they last? I was so happy when i started the atenolol and for 4 months had NOTHING!!! Then this recent episode burst my happy bubble. Yes i have tried the valsalva method...doesn't help...seems once they start they go into full swing . I do get some runs of skipped or rapid beats but this seems to resolve if i cough and bend over. Me too I am 5'4 123 lbs. I was also diagnosed with mild mitral valve prolapse last year!!! I am 56 years young ...to think it took that long for it to be discovered! Thanks for helping me. AniTa

[sb786]

Hi desertbelle, if you want to chat my email is ***@****