PSVT

I am a 45 year old female in great health and have had PSVT for about 22/23 years.  They are pretty sure that I have the AVNRT
kind but not for certain.  When I have attacks I am usually able to convert them with the Valsalva Maneuver within a few minutes or so.  The last attack I had about a month ago, my blood pressure was 170/123 when they took it in the ER.  I work in a hospital and went upstairs to the ER when I had this last attack.
Anyway, when I converted out of the SVT, my blood pressure came right back to normal and it usually runs on the lower side. My question is how dangerous was this blood pressure reading and it that normal for blood pressure to spike when really anxious or scared as I always am when having an attack?  My second question is sometimes on a daily basis or it goes in spurts I will have short runs of the SVT where it takes off real fast for about 7-12 beats and then goes back to normal.  Is this relatively common for people with this type of arrythmia?
Thanks so much for your help!

Carrie

[Cleveland Clinic]

Carebear,

my kids would love your name.

Thanks for the post.  Anxiety can certainly elevate your blood pressure.  As an isolated number, your blood pressure is not overly concerning.  My larger concern would be if your pressure was elevated at other stressful times in the day. Often this can be the case and occult hypertension os often missed.  If you have a cuff, it might help to take your pressure several times a day to be sure.

The other issue of your episodes of tachycardia need to be addressed.  First, you will need to find out what the episodes are. Holter or even monitoring could provide the answers.  Depending on the rhythm, you can explore your options.  Other arrythmias, such as atrial fibrillation, can occur in patients with PSVT so it would be important to make the diagnosis of what the rhythm is.

good luck

[Erik36]

I just got home now at 5:00 pm EST. I had four beers. Very out of character for me. I am a PVC and occasional A-Fib sufferer. My heart is irritated right now and I can feel it getting ready to start PVC's and/or A-Fib. I may have to drive myself to the ER or call an Ambulance if I go into A-Fib so they can restore Sinus Rythm before I'll need Anticoagulation. I am so mad at myself for doing this today. I ruined a perfectly good day. For what? To have a couple drinks to fit in with a certain crowd. I am an example of what not to do to yourself if you suffer from rhythm problems. I will not do this to myself again.


Erik

[gjoker]

Eric,

Drink up on some gatorade or water, or you will be miserable tonight.  I haven't had a drink in years, because of my irritable heart.  It sucks!

[Erik36]

Thanks for the advice!! I really appreciate it. I will do that.


Erik

[mrbh]

Hey Erik...give yourself a little break. I suffered the same pangs of wanting to be like everybody else for years, but I was able to resist (don't ask me how!). You might be OK. You might dodge the bullet, so to speak, so stay calm and see if it passes.

My docs ordered me off alcohol in 1992. Told me my next drink would kill me even though at my worst I was only a light social drinker. Anyway, I went home from the hospital, got rid of my stash, went cold turkey and and will be marking 12 YEARS with no booze on 11/24.

You don't need alcohol to enjoy the company of good friends and appreciate good times.

Good luck!

[hankstar]

Hi Erik,

     Don't be hard on yourself 21 of this month will be 15 months since i quit drinking beer, i found it was a strong contributing factor for my PVCs and tachycardia even with medication, usually the next day.

     I was nearing the alcoholic stage 8-10  beers every night, I quit cold turkey without withdrawal symptoms and never looked back since.

     Persons with a history of a-fib should avoid alcohol.

Take care, you'll be fine.

     Hank.

[va_tony]

Unless you have had alcohol trigger afib in the past, don't necessarily assume that it will do so now. I don't think you want to talk yourself into an episode. Yes, alcohol is a known trigger but not always.  I'm one of the lucky few who can drink without such repercussions. When I was successfully cardioverted out of continuous afib and put on Rythmol a few years back, I was very cautious about drinking. My doctor said that a glass of wine or two a day was OK and even healthy.  Even so, I went cold turkey for about six months though I am a beer lover (I can now recommend the best tasting non-alcoholic beers if you are interested--- though none of these measure up to real beer). Then I went on a cruise with my wife and couldn't resist having a pina colada. No afib was triggered.  By the end of the cruise I was drinking two pinas a day and a beer or two as well.  Nothing. Now I'm back to beer drinking and will often have 3 or 4 at a social occasion without a problem. But not too often. Between special occasions, I generally abstain. The only time alcohol triggered afib in my case was when my last single child got married and I celebrated a bit too much--lost count but it was a lot.  I did have afib that night.  Usually though, my afib is well controlled with Rythmol, having a incident of a days duration perhaps once every month or two.  These are invariably triggered by exercise. I work out at a gym three or four times a week.  If I stay within my limits, there seems to be no problem. But if I push beyond what I'm trained for, even though I feel good while doing it, it will trigger afib that evening when I'm resting.

I'm not suggesting that afib sufferers should suddenly start drinking.  That's a personal choice not without some risk.  In this case, you've already broken fast.  Just keep your fingers crossed and be optimistic!

Also, I don't know if you necessarily have to rush off to the ER. Afib, if it occurs, is likely of the paroxysmal variety and will self-terminate after a short time.  Obviously though, if you are dizzy and in some distress in afib, you'll likely have to go. In my case, I'm able to function fairly well in afib (even can put the palps out of my mind). Mine generally self-terminate from 3 to 30 hours (at least they always have since I've been on Rythmol).  I don't believe you run a stroke risk until you've been in afib at least 3 days. Easy for me to say, as I'm already on coumadin.

Best of luck,

Tony

[Erik36]

Thanks guys for the kind words and good advice. I did dodge the bullet last night and am fine today. I hydrated myself and the extra beats abated. My A-Fib is alcohol triggered and I will try not to drink at all. However, I can handle a beer every once in a while as I had previously been doing that. I value my friendship with you all and just the feeling that you guys were a few clicks of my mouse away gives me great comfort. I am here for you as well. Thanks again!


Erik

[Linda123]

Hi Erik
Just my tuppence ha'penny reference drinking alcohol.  I fully sympathise with you, I too on the odd occasion have had a couple of glasses of wine and paid the price the next day heartwise.  Do not feel bad - sometimes it's hard to refuse a drink, sometimes it makes you feel very 'uncool'.
What I tend to drink is craberry juice - it's red and people think it's red wine and so you don't get the "you don't drink alcohol" comment accompanying the raised eyebrows!  Pathetic I know but it saves having to answer questions and feeling stupid infront of those who do not understand.
Regards, Lind

[Erik36]

Thanks Linda. That is a good idea. Next sunday when I go to watch football I'll try the cranberry juice. It will be good for my Kidneys too. Thanks for the kind words and understanding.


Erik