Palpitations for 16 years

  I have had palpitations for approx 16 years now. They originally happened during sport, especially when sprinting or if physical contact or violent body movement was involved. They could last up to 7 hours and would usually end up with vomiting which would stop them. I have since given up many of the sports I used to love but am still able to swim, work out in the gym (not running or stepping etc.. though) and go skiing each year.
  My palpitation "attacks" now happen between 3 and 6 times a year usually again through activity but sometimes even if I am just sitting at my desk. I have over the years developed a method of stopping the palpitation within one hour (usually, but not always). When they happen I get home as quick as possible and walk around for five minutes (the palpitations are far less 'agressive' when standing), I then lie down on the bed, the palpitations increase in volume but not in speed and sometimes stop with a very slight cramp type feeling. If after 30 seconds or so the palpiation has not stopped I have to get up again to repeat the exercise until they do. I find this method very effective. Otherwise they have been known to continue for 8 hours in the worst case.
  When the palpitations start I come over slightly dizzy and I can only describe the feeling as a car starting before the beats kick in at speed. I saw a specialist in the UK who did a 24 hour ECG and he decided I had a secondary electric pulse which sometimes set off  a run of extra beats.
  I am not overly worried by my condition but find it very restrictive sports and social wise and dread that one day it might happen somewhere where I can't stop it eg. on a plane.
  I accept the extra pulse diagnosis although am confused that I could start the palpitations art any time my doing certian sports, ie. I can always start them, not necessarily when I get one of my bonus electric pulses.
  Have you any comments on my method of stopping or explanations of my condition?? If so I would be very grateful.
  Thanks
  Tony

[Cleveland Clinic, MD]

  
Dear Tony,

Thank you for your question.  I suspect you have a supraventricular tachycardia.  This is a rapid heart rate that originates from the upper chambers of the heart.  There have been new advances in medicine in the past 10 years and it is possible that this could be cured with a simple outpatient procedure called an ablation.  The type of cardiologist that does these is called an electrophysiologist.  If you live in the UK St. George