Inappropriate Sinus Tachycardia Help/Advice Please

[JaneML93]

Hi. I live in UK. I was diagnosed with IST 15 months ago. My EP has tried beta blockers & calcium channel blockers to try & control my severe & disabling symptoms of chest pain, breathlessness, fatigue,palpitations & dizziness on minimal exertion. The medication did not work.

In February my EP put me on Ivabradine. He increased the dose to maximum in March. This medication controlled all my symptoms & I was finally able to return to work after 11 months off sick. Great news.

But, 3 weeks ago my symptoms started to come back & now they are so bad again that I am off sick from work, can hardly climb the stairs at home, can hardly do anything without symptoms.

I have an urgent appointment to see my EP next Monday (June 14th). When I last saw him he said that if the Ivabradine failed to control my severe symptoms, his only other option would be to do a sinus node ablation which then puts me at a pacemaker risk.

Just wanted to ask if anyone out there has IST & what treatment you have had? Has anyone had a sinus node ablation & did it work? It all sounds so scary. If anyone has any advice or help to offer, I'd be very grateful. Thank you.

Best wishes
JaneML93

[ireneo]

Morning - IST is a tough thing to control. I don't have it; I just have run-of-the-mill atrial tachy that starts and stops without warning. IST is more troublesome than that. The messages I've read from people with IST, it seems medications didn't help them much either depending on how severe their problem. I think it's a good idea that you talk with an EP. Have your questions ready because once you're in the office, it's easy to get nervous and forget. And be sure the doctor stays long enough to answer your concerns. They're working for you and that's their job. Ask if a pacemaker is the only way to fix IST. Can a standard ablation help at all.

I've had 3 ablations. The procedure sounds scary when described but it's not that bad. Getting the IV and taking off my clothes was the hardest part for me. :-)  Many people don't like the idea of having a pacemaker but once they have it, they rave about how much better they feel. My EP mentioned I might end up with one and I shook my head no. I felt the same way. Fortunately my heart is improved enough that I don't need one.

You know you can't live the rest of your life like this. Something has to be done. I hope your EP can ease your mind and give you hope, plus a happier heart.

[ChatterAlly]

I will send a note to Ireneo.  I want her to answer you on this.  I think she might be able to put your mind at ease.  Take care, Ally.