Re: Post ablation concerns

Posted By Jack on May 25, 1999 at 10:49:47
A month ago, I had a catheter ablation to fix supraventricular tachycardia.   Those symptoms are gone.  But two weeks ago, I started experiencing what my doc calls  sinus tachycardia.  It happens twice a day (generally) and lasts for an hour or an hour and a half.  The heart rate gets to about 130.  It usually starts at the gym or, oddly enough, when I bend over or squat.
My Doc  has recently informed me that this is a common consequence of the ablation and that the condition is temporary and will go away within one to six months.  Furthermore, he says that at that rate, I needn't worry about it.  The heart can take that for quite a long time (I had asked him about going to the emergency room).
I am 22.  And I'm pretty sick of dealing with this.  What he told me was good news and I am pleased.  These conditions have caused me to be a bit paranoid about my health, so keeping that in mind, I would like to know:
1.  Diagnosis sound right?  Are the lengths of the episodes dangerous?
2.  Because they are uncomfortable, Doc told me to try vagal exercises
    and then the episode wouldn't last long.  How do you do these?
3.  Do they always work?
4.  It kinda seems like you fix one thing and another pops up.  Is this
    all or should I ready myself for a long haul?
Much obliged,
Jack

[CCF CARDIO MD APS]

Posted By CCF CARDIO MD-APS on May 31, 1999 at 08:32:06
Dear Jack,
Yes I do believe what your doctor is telling you is the truth and at present the best s/he can do to help you.  It is especially true that sinus tachycardia is not harmful so long as it does not go on for days and months at a time (i.e. without ever slowing down.)  Vagal maneuvers should have been described for you and include massage of one side of the neck with moderate pressure right on the area where you feel the carotid pulse, or coughing, or sometimes holding your breath and bearing down can stimulate the vagal nerve.  These do not always work and even when they do, the effect doesn't last for more than a few minutes, REGARDLESS you should try these as your doctor has suggested.
Sinus tachycardia is not "dangerous", however it is unusual for the sinus node to go at 180 beats per minute, therefore it is likely that this rhythm is not sinus, rather it is the supraventricular tachycardia again so make sure you note the pulse rate and discuss the various episodes, their rates and frequencies with your doctor.
Jack we are all in this "for the long haul" however the success rate of ablation is 98% with each procedure, so things are looking up for you and there is a good possibility that your problems with heart rate will all be gone in the near future; keep the chin up Jack.
I hope this information is useful. Information provided in the heart forum is for
general purposes only.  Only your physician can provided specific diagnoses and therapies.
Feel free to write back with further questions. Good luck!
If you would like to make an appointment at the Cleveland Clinic Heart Center, please
call 1-800-CCF-CARE or inquire online by using the Heart Center website at
www.ccf.org/heartcenter. The Heart Center website contains a directory of the
cardiology staff that can be used to select the physician best suited to address your
cardiac problem.

[Kery__0__0]

Posted By Kerry on June 03, 1999 at 03:44:48
I know how you feel.  I had an ablation 1 1/2 years ago.  I too often have episodes of sinus tach.  I have also found certain foods to bring on tach.  I  still cannot have caffein, or decongestants.  I also cannot have red wine.  I was told by a cardiologist that after an ablation, that your heart is more sensitive.  I am researching this myself.  Good luck.










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