Narrow Complex Tachycardia

Posted By D.O. on December 19, 1998 at 10:52:05:







Hi Dr.,
Well, the beast is back!  I had an arrhythmia, which was recorded on the event monitor on Monday.  I called the EP's office because the heart monitoring company can not tell you anything, which is fine.  The EP's nurse called me a couple of days ago and said what I had Monday was Narrow Complex Tachycardia with a rate of 128 (max was 140 or 145).  During this attack, I was just sitting at work and started getting chest pain to the right of the center of my chest.  I thought it was indigestion, but then my heart rate kept going up.  I wasn't worried about it for the simple fact I thought it was indigestion, but when my heart rate reached 140, I no longer was thinking indigestion, so pushed the record button.  I did the Valsalva maneuver to bring it down and it actually hurt to do it (chest area).  I never had it hurt to do the maneuver, so of course the fear was getting put into me.  It lasted for about 15 - 20 minutes.  I went over to Mark (a co-worker) and told him what was happening (he took me to the E.R. the first time I had one).  I felt it important to let my co-workers know my situation in case something happens that I pass out or something.  
The nurse said it was similar to an SVT I had on August 24th (before my October 12th ablation).  She said it appeared to her I had Sinus Tachycardia with runs of SVT.  I am now confused on the Narrow Complex Tachycardia.  Is Narrow Complex Tachycardia used interchangeably with SVT?  If not, what exactly is Narrow Complex Tachycardia.  I know for sure my arrhythmia is above the ventricles (thank God).  I guess your QRS waves are narrow, but are they the same during an SVT/PAT (sinus node reentry)?  The P waves could have been buried in there.  Again, after my long winded explanation, is Narrow Complex Tachycardia the same as SVT?
When your QRS waves are narrow, are you getting adequate blood everywhere?  I have an appointment to see him on January 14th (happy birthday to me (b-day on 13th) )!  Anyway, I would appreciate any light you can shed on the Narrow Complex Tachycardia and adequate blood supply.
Also, when I have my SVT, I get a very strange feeling in my neck (like two pulses).  I have only had them during my SVTs and have had a few in the last month (while lying down -- usually on my right side).  It also gets harder for me to breathe out of the right side if that makes any sense.  What during an SVT would cause such a thing?  Im not looking for a diagnosis because I already know it is SVT, just some info possibly.
Thank you!  Have a happy and safe holiday!
Denise O.
:-)