PAT

I have PAT, have never been told what 'type' of PAT it is.  Was diagnosed with it as a small child. The 'episodes' are rare and far between usually.  I mentioned it to my doctor the other day. In addition to a question I had about whether it could be responsible for my having reactions to medications. Similar to the reactions a person with high blood pressure, would have to say a decongestant. That question was never answered. However, he handed me bystolic 5mg samples, and said to take them for the PAT.  If anyone could answer my question about the medication reactions I would appreciate it. I also would like to know if it's wise for me to be taking the bystolic. I do not have, nor have I ever had blood pressure problems. My concern is that by starting the medication, will I be dependant upon them? If I choose not to take them, is it damaging my heart to allow it to continue with the irregular beating? Thank you in advance for any help you may give.


This discussion is related to Mitral Valve Prolapse and PAT.

[ireneo]

PAT also known as PSVT is a sudden burst of atrial tachycardia (fast heart beat). It's a glitch in the electrical system of the upper part of the heart. The heart rate can jump from 65 beats per minute to 120 to 200 or more without warning. It also returns to a normal rate just as unexpectedly. That's great that your tachy times are rare.

Certain things can trigger PSVT like cold medicines, caffeine, alcohol, chocolate, stress, fatigue, overheating, dehydration, exercise. And sometimes the heart jumps into PSVT for no apparent reason. Each person eventually learns what to avoid.

I'm not familiar with bystolic. I know others on the board use it and can answer your questions about that. I didn't know it was used for atrial tachy. . . .

[TR702]

This post comes at a good time - I have an appt tomorrow with an Electrophysiologist for this exact problem. I've had ECG's, ultrasounds, blood tests, stress tests and holter monitors and nothing has caught it, but my symptoms have been around since I was about 15.

Lately, in the past year, the real problem has been the PAT after or during aerobic exercise. This has happened twice at the gym now, both times making me feel very, very dizzy in the beginning of the PAT. I am now afraid to do any aerobic exercise. Just yesterday I was in an aerobics class and had to stop before it ended because I was afraid I could feel one coming on - my chest felt tight and my heart felt weak.

Has anyone else experienced this with exercise? I kept myself very hydrated yesterday, but the two other times I got the PAT during exercise I know I was a bit dehydrated. I just want to be able to go to the gym like everyone else!