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SVT vs. VT; arrythmia while asleep
I know I'm lucky to get another question in. I know this is my limit for 6 mos.
I posted earlier about a possible VT vs. an SVT w/ aberrancy. I'm a 35 YO female, all echos, stress tests, holters normal. I have further questions:
1. From what I gather, VT/SVT is diagnosed dependent on from where the arrythmia originates (ventricle vs. atrium). Can you PLEASE explain what is HAPPENING in the heart that makes VT more "dangerous" than SVT? Is the heart beating differently in a VT than in an SVT? Aren't both parts of the heart still beating? In VT, is the atrium not able to "keep up" with the ventricles or something? So many people "dread" VT, but I've been told that even if mine is NSVT, I'm okay. Why the VT scare?
2. You mentioned a possible RBBB from fatique which may make my arrhythmia an actual SVT w/ aberrancy. Is a RBBB dangerous? Can it lead to heart failure?
3. In what cases can an arrythmia (when it's happening) lead to heart failure? Most of us with irregular beats have that fear - that it will cause our hearts to stop. My cardio assures me this isn't mechanically possible, but I'd like an explanation as to why our "normal" hearts won't quit on us during an arrythmia.
4. Tachy is stopped with drugs, etc. if they are long lasting. Mine have only lasted 10-15 seconds at a time, but I have a fear of one happening while I'm in a deep sleep and not waking from it - eventually, leading to my death. Is this crazy to worry about? My tachycardia has awakened me in the past, which freaks me out. Do our bodies naturally awaken when they happen?
Thanks so much!
I posted earlier about a possible VT vs. an SVT w/ aberrancy. I'm a 35 YO female, all echos, stress tests, holters normal. I have further questions:
1. From what I gather, VT/SVT is diagnosed dependent on from where the arrythmia originates (ventricle vs. atrium). Can you PLEASE explain what is HAPPENING in the heart that makes VT more "dangerous" than SVT? Is the heart beating differently in a VT than in an SVT? Aren't both parts of the heart still beating? In VT, is the atrium not able to "keep up" with the ventricles or something? So many people "dread" VT, but I've been told that even if mine is NSVT, I'm okay. Why the VT scare?
2. You mentioned a possible RBBB from fatique which may make my arrhythmia an actual SVT w/ aberrancy. Is a RBBB dangerous? Can it lead to heart failure?
3. In what cases can an arrythmia (when it's happening) lead to heart failure? Most of us with irregular beats have that fear - that it will cause our hearts to stop. My cardio assures me this isn't mechanically possible, but I'd like an explanation as to why our "normal" hearts won't quit on us during an arrythmia.
4. Tachy is stopped with drugs, etc. if they are long lasting. Mine have only lasted 10-15 seconds at a time, but I have a fear of one happening while I'm in a deep sleep and not waking from it - eventually, leading to my death. Is this crazy to worry about? My tachycardia has awakened me in the past, which freaks me out. Do our bodies naturally awaken when they happen?
Thanks so much!
So good to read all the helpful posts!!! Most of us are in the same boat just need to keep paddling, even though exhausting at times. I know this question may sound silly but will ask anyways....When svt or nsvt pops up can you figure out what caused it to kick in??? Too much stress, not enough sleep, sugar, caffine etc..... The anxiety monster puts you on guard afterwards and then I question myself what did I do different???
So glad the the forum is here when I read your posts I am reassured. I have a quote posted here in my office thats says "The key to a calm heart is a calm mind"......easier said than done when you live with arrythmia.... yet so true! I am not saying to ignore your symptoms...... I am also thankful for the doctors I have and that there are meds to help me keep beating along, some days better than the others. Hope you all have a terrific week!
Kelly
So glad the the forum is here when I read your posts I am reassured. I have a quote posted here in my office thats says "The key to a calm heart is a calm mind"......easier said than done when you live with arrythmia.... yet so true! I am not saying to ignore your symptoms...... I am also thankful for the doctors I have and that there are meds to help me keep beating along, some days better than the others. Hope you all have a terrific week!
Kelly
I try REALLY hard to find triggers - unfortunately, sometimes those "triggers" you think are the culprit are sometimes not. For almost a year, I swore off Nutra-Sweet. It worked! Yeah, for a year. Then I had another SVT attack. And then two weeks later, another one. So, there went my Nutra-Sweet theory. I can say with a LOT of certainty that I experience more arrythmias when I'm anxious about not sleeping. If I'm tossing and turning at night, and then I get all "worked up" about how little sleep I'm getting, suddenly, WHAM! I'll get one. (Sometimes after I've fallen asleep at 3 a.m.) so, I attribute that to the anxiety coupled with the sleeplessness. My cardio and EP have both assured me that 99% of the time, arrhythmias are triggered by adrenaline (for one reason or another). When you're sleepless and anxious, the adrenaline is practically tripled in your body, and that can provoke the tachy (especially at night, because your para-sympathetic system (anti-andrenaline) is trying to kick in). I do know that anxiety in itself is the most horrendous thing I'm dealing with now. I know my PVCs are increased because of it, my tachy episodes are increased because of it, etc. But, yes, there's always that one time when I get a run of tach and have NO explanation at all - I've had enough sleep, enough water, enough sanity, etc. They can sometimes just come on for no reason. It totally *****. I have an appointment today with a psychiatrist - hopefully, a low dose of a SSRI of some sort will help take the edge off of my anxiety. I'm willing to try anything at this point, because the crying jags I'm experiencing during the day, the envy of other "healthy" people and the lack of joy I'm experiencing in things I used to love is really causing problems. I want my old self back, and this heart stuff has me so petrified and freaking out.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
mad,
1. From what I gather, VT/SVT is diagnosed dependent on from where the arrythmia originates (ventricle vs. atrium). Can you PLEASE explain what is HAPPENING in the heart that makes VT more "dangerous" than SVT? Is the heart beating differently in a VT than in an SVT? Aren't both parts of the heart still beating? In VT, is the atrium not able to "keep up" with the ventricles or something? So many people "dread" VT, but I've been told that even if mine is NSVT, I'm okay. Why the VT scare?
SVT originates in the atrium and generally has a 'gatekeeper' which is the AV node which lies between the atrium and ventricles preventing significant problems from occuring with ventricle which is the main pumping chambers of the heart. With VT, the ventricles are beating on their own, apart from the atrium. This electrical activity can sometimes become disorganized resulting in poor cardiac output and cardiovascular collapse. This sounds scary, but generally there are predictors of who is at greatest risk.
2. You mentioned a possible RBBB from fatique which may make my arrhythmia an actual SVT w/ aberrancy. Is a RBBB dangerous? Can it lead to heart failure?
No. RBBB is the most common form of abberancy and just relates to the way the electrical impulse is conducted through the heart.
3. In what cases can an arrythmia (when it's happening) lead to heart failure? Most of us with irregular beats have that fear - that it will cause our hearts to stop. My cardio assures me this isn't mechanically possible, but I'd like an explanation as to why our "normal" hearts won't quit on us during an arrythmia.
An SVT that is the predominant rhythem of the heart, meaning present most of the time can lead to heart damage. This didnt sound like it was the case with your results. The heart has its own intrinsic pacemaker. Once an extra beat happens, the pacemaker is essentially reset and can take back over.
4. Tachy is stopped with drugs, etc. if they are long lasting. Mine have only lasted 10-15 seconds at a time, but I have a fear of one happening while I'm in a deep sleep and not waking from it - eventually, leading to my death. Is this crazy to worry about? My tachycardia has awakened me in the past, which freaks me out. Do our bodies naturally awaken when they happen?
You are obsessing with extremes of anxiety over this. With a normal cardiac workup, these extra beats will have no long term impact on your mortality. I think that you should work with your cardiologist to come to a better comfort level with this fact. The aniexty you express over this is real, but unwarranted. In extreme
cases, Ive recommended counseling to patients with phobias over their arrythmias if they start to impact thier daily life.
good luck
1. From what I gather, VT/SVT is diagnosed dependent on from where the arrythmia originates (ventricle vs. atrium). Can you PLEASE explain what is HAPPENING in the heart that makes VT more "dangerous" than SVT? Is the heart beating differently in a VT than in an SVT? Aren't both parts of the heart still beating? In VT, is the atrium not able to "keep up" with the ventricles or something? So many people "dread" VT, but I've been told that even if mine is NSVT, I'm okay. Why the VT scare?
SVT originates in the atrium and generally has a 'gatekeeper' which is the AV node which lies between the atrium and ventricles preventing significant problems from occuring with ventricle which is the main pumping chambers of the heart. With VT, the ventricles are beating on their own, apart from the atrium. This electrical activity can sometimes become disorganized resulting in poor cardiac output and cardiovascular collapse. This sounds scary, but generally there are predictors of who is at greatest risk.
2. You mentioned a possible RBBB from fatique which may make my arrhythmia an actual SVT w/ aberrancy. Is a RBBB dangerous? Can it lead to heart failure?
No. RBBB is the most common form of abberancy and just relates to the way the electrical impulse is conducted through the heart.
3. In what cases can an arrythmia (when it's happening) lead to heart failure? Most of us with irregular beats have that fear - that it will cause our hearts to stop. My cardio assures me this isn't mechanically possible, but I'd like an explanation as to why our "normal" hearts won't quit on us during an arrythmia.
An SVT that is the predominant rhythem of the heart, meaning present most of the time can lead to heart damage. This didnt sound like it was the case with your results. The heart has its own intrinsic pacemaker. Once an extra beat happens, the pacemaker is essentially reset and can take back over.
4. Tachy is stopped with drugs, etc. if they are long lasting. Mine have only lasted 10-15 seconds at a time, but I have a fear of one happening while I'm in a deep sleep and not waking from it - eventually, leading to my death. Is this crazy to worry about? My tachycardia has awakened me in the past, which freaks me out. Do our bodies naturally awaken when they happen?
You are obsessing with extremes of anxiety over this. With a normal cardiac workup, these extra beats will have no long term impact on your mortality. I think that you should work with your cardiologist to come to a better comfort level with this fact. The aniexty you express over this is real, but unwarranted. In extreme
cases, Ive recommended counseling to patients with phobias over their arrythmias if they start to impact thier daily life.
good luck
Good for you for making an appointment with a psychiatrist! Your tears and anxiety during the day, to say nothing of lack of sleep at night, convince me that you're doing the right thing. If he/she prescribes an SSRI or something like that, try to remember that it may take a number of days to several weeks to feel the full effect (though I got lucky and felt better after 24 hours!). You may be prescribed things like Xanax to help with the transition, if needed.
I would hope your doctor will also want to stay in close touch with you, at least via a phone call per week to see how you're doing. If you're sent out the door with a prescription and no follow-up, this might not be the right doc for you.
I would hope your doctor will also want to stay in close touch with you, at least via a phone call per week to see how you're doing. If you're sent out the door with a prescription and no follow-up, this might not be the right doc for you.
When I have an episode of nsvt, there doesn't appear to be a trigger. I can be driving, sitting, resting, reading....doesn't seem to matter.
Well, I went feeling hopeful and left feeling depondent. I got a 25-minute head-nodding "mm-hm" session, he walked out in the middle of my session in order to take another phone call, came back in, wrote me a prescription for Prozac, to which I asked, "does this interact adversely with Toprol?" to which HE replied, "I don't know." Therefore, I walked out with a prescription I most likely won't fill. I called my cardiologist in tears, and I'm waiting for a call back. I don't know what to do anymore. Perhaps my cardiologist can actually write my prescription. Who knows? But what a waste. I looked forward to it all day, and I get Mr. I-don't-care-what-you're-going-through, so-here-have-some-Prozac. No thanks. I don't think this situation could get any worse. And now I feel short of breath, panicky and miserable. Just get through day by day...chanting my mantra... benign PVCs and SVT ...benign...benign...I'm going to go do a few pages in my anxiety workbook.
I don't think there is any surefire way to determine if one if having SVT or NSVT, without capturing it on some sort of monitor. I do believe what they told you is true, though. If your pulse is strong during an episode then I would also bet it is just SVT. With NSVT only the ventricles are pumping and thus the pulse is much weaker and may not be palpable. Both are regular rhythms. Afib IS irregular, however, and is an irregular irregular rhythm, whereas something like bigeminy or trigeminy are regularly irregular! Don't ya just love it!! I have had all three many times, lucky me, and if you only have SVT every few months and it doesn't last for hours, then just consider it an incomvenience. The same goes for only having a couple of hundred PVC's/day. I agree that getting your anxiety under control will lessen them all substantially. Good luck.
ohh, I am so sorry that didn't work out.
You sound just like me when I was in my early twenties, I was half crazy over the PVCs and I couldn't get a doctor to "LISTEN" to me. I went through several, who all prescribed anti-depressants. But I kept on trying, and I hope you will too.
I finally found a family physician after 6 years of struggle, who said I was having panic attacks and PVCs. She ordered my first holter monitor (450 PVCs/hr back then, seems like that would be bliss now) and she set me up an appointment with a cardio, AND she wrote me a prescription for xanax and took me off work for SIX weeks. I honestly think the xanax saved my life. It's not for everyone, but it worked like a miracle for me. The caution is it can be habit forming.
I haven't needed any for almost 5 years, but when I got this nasty increase in PVCs last year, that kicked up the anxiety big time. Will your cardio write you an RX for an anti-anxiety drug? If any one knows what you are going through, it would be him/her. In the meantime there is a fantastic book that someone else mentioned on this forum a while back called Full Catastrophy (sp?) Living. It might help, I'm just starting to read it (yes, even after 22 years I still need support too!). I also found a Freedom From Fear Society group in my community and attended a few meetings and it helped to get input from them. Maybe they are on the web, but I haven't searched that. Please hang in there and try another doctor.
You sound just like me when I was in my early twenties, I was half crazy over the PVCs and I couldn't get a doctor to "LISTEN" to me. I went through several, who all prescribed anti-depressants. But I kept on trying, and I hope you will too.
I finally found a family physician after 6 years of struggle, who said I was having panic attacks and PVCs. She ordered my first holter monitor (450 PVCs/hr back then, seems like that would be bliss now) and she set me up an appointment with a cardio, AND she wrote me a prescription for xanax and took me off work for SIX weeks. I honestly think the xanax saved my life. It's not for everyone, but it worked like a miracle for me. The caution is it can be habit forming.
I haven't needed any for almost 5 years, but when I got this nasty increase in PVCs last year, that kicked up the anxiety big time. Will your cardio write you an RX for an anti-anxiety drug? If any one knows what you are going through, it would be him/her. In the meantime there is a fantastic book that someone else mentioned on this forum a while back called Full Catastrophy (sp?) Living. It might help, I'm just starting to read it (yes, even after 22 years I still need support too!). I also found a Freedom From Fear Society group in my community and attended a few meetings and it helped to get input from them. Maybe they are on the web, but I haven't searched that. Please hang in there and try another doctor.
I have a question for you - you say that you can feel that you're experiencing NSVT. Do you also have SVT, and if so, how can you tell the difference between the two? My docs are assuring me my arrhythmia, which looks like a VT on the strip, is actually SVT with aberrancy. Would I be able to tell which it is just by feel? Does NSVT feel differently than an SVT?
I also don't think the doctor gave me an answer to my #4 question. Is there a way I can contact them to see if there is an answer? I'd like to think our bodies wake up if they're in an arrhythmia, but maybe the doc's answer would have just scared me more?
I also don't think the doctor gave me an answer to my #4 question. Is there a way I can contact them to see if there is an answer? I'd like to think our bodies wake up if they're in an arrhythmia, but maybe the doc's answer would have just scared me more?
Can you feel the difference between SVT and NSVT? I'd love to hear whether the two feel different. My docs are assuring me that I'm experiencing SVT w/aberrancy, which is why it looks wide (and like NSVT) on the strip, but they're not 100% sure. Can you actually tell the difference between the tachys you're having?
I don't think I've ever had SVT, but I'm not sure. I've had lots of holters, stress tests, etc. and I can't recall ever hearing or seeing SVT in the reports. My holters always turned up thousands of pvcs, including couplets, triplets, nsvt and only an occasional pac. I had so many "episodes" of bigeminy, they chose to list it as "MANY" instead of quantifying them on the report. I don't know if SVT feels the same, but when I get runs of pvcs it's like a rolling heartbeat, kinda jumpy and bubbly. Catches me offguard, but doesn't scare me any more. I just kinda ride it out. Most episodes are under 10 seconds, some a bit longer.
I'm sorry to be so full of questions for you - but boy, you've run the gamut here! I find your wisdom to be so helpful and reassuring...just wondering:
When you experience these runs of PVCs (what docs call NSVT), do you feel a regular, fast pulse with them, or is there no pulse, a disorganized one, etc.? My pulse feels strong with mine - regular and fast. That's one reason my docs think it's SVT - they say with NSVT, it's usually a "weirder" pulse - a bit less regular. Also, may I ask how often you get the "runs" of PVCs? I know you've had an ablation for your PVCs due to your CM, but after the ablation, are you still having to ride out these runs? I admire your strength immesurably. I get 20-40 PVCs a day, a run of NSVT or SVT about once every few months, and I'm constantly on edge...I chant the word "benign" like a mantra when they happen!
When you experience these runs of PVCs (what docs call NSVT), do you feel a regular, fast pulse with them, or is there no pulse, a disorganized one, etc.? My pulse feels strong with mine - regular and fast. That's one reason my docs think it's SVT - they say with NSVT, it's usually a "weirder" pulse - a bit less regular. Also, may I ask how often you get the "runs" of PVCs? I know you've had an ablation for your PVCs due to your CM, but after the ablation, are you still having to ride out these runs? I admire your strength immesurably. I get 20-40 PVCs a day, a run of NSVT or SVT about once every few months, and I'm constantly on edge...I chant the word "benign" like a mantra when they happen!
Hello,
I hope you are having a better day today.
I do believe the doctor answered your question, #4. His response was that he believed you were obsessing to an extreme over these and that with a normal cardiac work up, these extra beats don't have any greater impact on your mortality.
Sorry if I'm being blunt, but I sincerely didn't want you to worry over yet one more thing. I think the answer is: awake OR asleep, this type of arrythmia isn't going to snatch your life away.
Heart changes of any sort are extremely frigthening. I understand, I empathize, I sympathize. I'm in constant trigeminy right now, 24/7, no breaks, and I have many runs of nsvt throughout the day. I have good days, and I have bad days, BUT if there is any one piece of advice I can give you, that is you must get your anxiety under control or the PVCs will consume you, whether you get 3, or 30, or 300 or 3000 or 23,000/day.
Being able to tackle the PVCs with a clear mind is much better than suffering through them when your mind is cloudy with anxiety. I've been there too. The PVCs seem to grow into more of a monster.
Have you had a second opinion, had your tests repeated to make sure your SVT with aberrancy wasn't just a single event, or interpreted incorrectly? I have to pay for my own medical expenses due to a high deductible, but the price of getting a second opinion may be worth gold to you if it provides you that extra assurrance. Be well, think well.
I hope you are having a better day today.
I do believe the doctor answered your question, #4. His response was that he believed you were obsessing to an extreme over these and that with a normal cardiac work up, these extra beats don't have any greater impact on your mortality.
Sorry if I'm being blunt, but I sincerely didn't want you to worry over yet one more thing. I think the answer is: awake OR asleep, this type of arrythmia isn't going to snatch your life away.
Heart changes of any sort are extremely frigthening. I understand, I empathize, I sympathize. I'm in constant trigeminy right now, 24/7, no breaks, and I have many runs of nsvt throughout the day. I have good days, and I have bad days, BUT if there is any one piece of advice I can give you, that is you must get your anxiety under control or the PVCs will consume you, whether you get 3, or 30, or 300 or 3000 or 23,000/day.
Being able to tackle the PVCs with a clear mind is much better than suffering through them when your mind is cloudy with anxiety. I've been there too. The PVCs seem to grow into more of a monster.
Have you had a second opinion, had your tests repeated to make sure your SVT with aberrancy wasn't just a single event, or interpreted incorrectly? I have to pay for my own medical expenses due to a high deductible, but the price of getting a second opinion may be worth gold to you if it provides you that extra assurrance. Be well, think well.
Thank you for your kind words. If I can help to put your mind at ease, I'm happy to do oblige : 0
It's quite possible that your anxiety over the ectopics is far more significant than the ectopics themselves. If your normal workup is not reassuring enough, maybe a second and/or third opinion would help. But, if you continue to hear that your ectopics are benign, you will be best served by working on the anxiety. I found the anxiety can be far more crippling than the arrythmias.
Sometimes when I get a run of pvcs, I am able to grab my stethoscope to "listen." My pulse is not fast in the sense that it is racing, but it is irregular. I am actually fascinated how my heart kicks right back into a regular rhythm in 5-20 seconds. The heart is amazing!!
I agree with Upbeat that the doctor did indirectly answer your fourth question by gently pointing out that you are overly concerned in the setting of a normal workup. That's where another opinion may help.
Upbeat,
Loved your thoughtful response : )
Sorry to hear you are still in constant trigeminy!! One of these days they're gonna disappear and you're gonna wonder why your heartbeat feels "strange." That's what happened to me after the ablaitons...weird indeed. I have absolutely no idea how many pvcs I get now, but I only feel an occasional flutter and/or run now and again.
It's quite possible that your anxiety over the ectopics is far more significant than the ectopics themselves. If your normal workup is not reassuring enough, maybe a second and/or third opinion would help. But, if you continue to hear that your ectopics are benign, you will be best served by working on the anxiety. I found the anxiety can be far more crippling than the arrythmias.
Sometimes when I get a run of pvcs, I am able to grab my stethoscope to "listen." My pulse is not fast in the sense that it is racing, but it is irregular. I am actually fascinated how my heart kicks right back into a regular rhythm in 5-20 seconds. The heart is amazing!!
I agree with Upbeat that the doctor did indirectly answer your fourth question by gently pointing out that you are overly concerned in the setting of a normal workup. That's where another opinion may help.
Upbeat,
Loved your thoughtful response : )
Sorry to hear you are still in constant trigeminy!! One of these days they're gonna disappear and you're gonna wonder why your heartbeat feels "strange." That's what happened to me after the ablaitons...weird indeed. I have absolutely no idea how many pvcs I get now, but I only feel an occasional flutter and/or run now and again.
You are so helpful and very kind.
I was having some pretty good days recently, PVCs still about the same, but just feeling better overall. Exercising every day and generally being very good to myself.
Today is not so good, quite a few more dizzy "moments", more couplets and some nsvt admist the trigeminy. Just makes me want to storm right into the dr's office and DEMAND an ablation no matter what, just to be rid of these things. But I know they'll say "have you been on the beta-blocker regularily" or "maybe you should try an increased dose", and I haven't done either.
So I guess I better give that another try, or maybe first I'll try .125 mg of my old stand-by--xanax.
Go Seahawks! :-)
I was having some pretty good days recently, PVCs still about the same, but just feeling better overall. Exercising every day and generally being very good to myself.
Today is not so good, quite a few more dizzy "moments", more couplets and some nsvt admist the trigeminy. Just makes me want to storm right into the dr's office and DEMAND an ablation no matter what, just to be rid of these things. But I know they'll say "have you been on the beta-blocker regularily" or "maybe you should try an increased dose", and I haven't done either.
So I guess I better give that another try, or maybe first I'll try .125 mg of my old stand-by--xanax.
Go Seahawks! :-)
We could be millionaires if we could figure out why and when pvcs rear their ugly heads. It always amazed me how they would just appear and go crazy, and then one day, they'd disappear...only to come back again another day.
So sorry to hear about the "dizzy" moments. Those are really crummy! I was pretty much the same way...got used to the odd rhythm (bi/trigeminy), but the couplets and runs were a bit more bothersome and debilitating.
Hey, I don't want to read about some Seahawks fan that storms into her doctor's office demanding an ablation...lol. Has your doctor pretty much figured you should try the BB's on a steady basis before he/she would consider ablation? I'm pretty sure my doctor was on that same page. I remember asking about an ablation a couple of times before the CM, and it was pretty much the same as you've been told. Benign....BB's.....Benign....
Hang in there Upbeat! Maybe a Seahawks win will help to get you back into SR : )
Xanax might help too : 0
Go Seahawks!!
So sorry to hear about the "dizzy" moments. Those are really crummy! I was pretty much the same way...got used to the odd rhythm (bi/trigeminy), but the couplets and runs were a bit more bothersome and debilitating.
Hey, I don't want to read about some Seahawks fan that storms into her doctor's office demanding an ablation...lol. Has your doctor pretty much figured you should try the BB's on a steady basis before he/she would consider ablation? I'm pretty sure my doctor was on that same page. I remember asking about an ablation a couple of times before the CM, and it was pretty much the same as you've been told. Benign....BB's.....Benign....
Hang in there Upbeat! Maybe a Seahawks win will help to get you back into SR : )
Xanax might help too : 0
Go Seahawks!!
You two are so unbelievably reassuring. Have you two met? I see you post to one another all the time, and I'd love to hear some story where the two of you actually sit down for a cup of decaf together :) Thanks for the kind words to me. I'm a 35-year-old, successful, happy woman, active, healthy, devoted mom, and getting these things just throws my life into a tailspin. I am getting help for the anxiety, and I have a feeling that my doc will put me on some sort of anti-anxiety meds - problem is that I take Toprol for my arrhythmia, and it doesn't interact well with several SSRIs. We'll see - perhaps I can change my BB to something else. You're right - the PVCs and whatever kind of tachy I have isn't what's debilitating (after all, I've lived with them for 13 years). It's the anxiety. Thing is, for 11 years, I thought they were GAS BUBBLES! I always have to burp when I have PVCs. Once it was confirmed it was my heart, I freaked out! Just goes to show that sometimes ignorance is bliss!
I have received a second opinion - not having the tests all done again, but having a second cardio and an EP read my strips from my event monitor. All say the same thing. "Benign." "Nothing but a nuisance." (sigh...) I just wish they'd go away for good! I'm sure they'll be awful during menopause - hopefully, by then, I'll be so used to them, it'll be a walk in the park. Do either of you (or anyone, for that matter) know anyone who had these and had them never show up again? I've never heard one story like that. Sounds like once you've got 'em, you've got 'em, huh?
Knowing you two are surviving life emotionally despite all you've been through is so encouraging. I hope you find some solace in each other...I know that in just this short month's time that I've been on this forum, I look to the posts the two of you have written because I know you'll have a bright side to look on. Thank you!
Dyan
I have received a second opinion - not having the tests all done again, but having a second cardio and an EP read my strips from my event monitor. All say the same thing. "Benign." "Nothing but a nuisance." (sigh...) I just wish they'd go away for good! I'm sure they'll be awful during menopause - hopefully, by then, I'll be so used to them, it'll be a walk in the park. Do either of you (or anyone, for that matter) know anyone who had these and had them never show up again? I've never heard one story like that. Sounds like once you've got 'em, you've got 'em, huh?
Knowing you two are surviving life emotionally despite all you've been through is so encouraging. I hope you find some solace in each other...I know that in just this short month's time that I've been on this forum, I look to the posts the two of you have written because I know you'll have a bright side to look on. Thank you!
Dyan
Hi again,
Yes. I can differentiate between my tachy type(s).
The 'standard' SVT I feel as an acceleration of my
heart rate. Over the years I have suppressed SVT attacks
with the old inhale deeply and briefly strain as if doing
a BM. Worked for many years until I had resistant ones and
had to visit ER for verapamil and subsequently adenosine
to break them. Was put on Toprol XL100 which has helped
to take the edge of my diagnosed re-entry type SVT. Still
have them but no trips to ER for them in 6 years.
Then along came a rhythm which is generally slower and
resembles part of a PVC - without the compensatory pause
followed by a stronger following beat. There is concatenation
of at least 20 such beats per episode. I had an event monitor
which registered some arrhythmias but did not capture the kind
I was concerned about. I was advised that an EPS study would
probably be able to induce whatever it was I was detecting if
I chose to pursue it. Otherwise not to worry. Yeah, easy to
say when one is not at the receiving end of this blasted
arrhythmias.
VC
Yes. I can differentiate between my tachy type(s).
The 'standard' SVT I feel as an acceleration of my
heart rate. Over the years I have suppressed SVT attacks
with the old inhale deeply and briefly strain as if doing
a BM. Worked for many years until I had resistant ones and
had to visit ER for verapamil and subsequently adenosine
to break them. Was put on Toprol XL100 which has helped
to take the edge of my diagnosed re-entry type SVT. Still
have them but no trips to ER for them in 6 years.
Then along came a rhythm which is generally slower and
resembles part of a PVC - without the compensatory pause
followed by a stronger following beat. There is concatenation
of at least 20 such beats per episode. I had an event monitor
which registered some arrhythmias but did not capture the kind
I was concerned about. I was advised that an EPS study would
probably be able to induce whatever it was I was detecting if
I chose to pursue it. Otherwise not to worry. Yeah, easy to
say when one is not at the receiving end of this blasted
arrhythmias.
VC
Thank you so much!! That post was so sweet... Aw, shucks ; )
Upbeat and I have never met, but we've had some good conversations here, and we try to keep each other laughing. We know how very important it is to let other pvcers know that we are still here : ) and plan on being here for a long time...flips,flops,flutters and all.
Sounds like pvcs are your crutch in life. Despite their frightening comings and goings, just keep up the "Benign" mantra. In fact, wasn't that you singing earlier today? LOL...I don't want to throw you for a loop, but don't be surprised if menopause doesn't make them more prevelant. Of course, by then, you'll be so focused on everything else that's going on (lol) you may not even care.
FYI...Because anxiety is one of my biggest crutches, I've been on a couple of different medications. Xanax has worked best for me and I only take it about 10 times/year. On occasion, I've taken it with a BB (Inderal) and they both worked...no problem with interactions. I did check with the doctor first and she was fine as long as I didn't find I was using it in increasing doses, etc. I'm too chicken for that...thank goodness.
When I started on flecainide in early 2003, I was admitted for observation. Doctor said I could still use the Xanax since she knew I was very nervous. I think I may have taken one, maybe not...can't even remember now. Talk with your doctor about what meds may be helpful for you. But, remember it really helps to have alternative (non-medicinal) therapies that work. Some people try yoga or other forms of physical exercise. That never really seemed to work for me....I preferred a quiet room, a good movie or book and some sunshine!
Take care and feel free to ask any questions that will help you get over your anxiety. Wait till menopause : ) That's a whole 'nother discussion : 0
Have a great day! Thanks again for your kind words.
Connie
Upbeat and I have never met, but we've had some good conversations here, and we try to keep each other laughing. We know how very important it is to let other pvcers know that we are still here : ) and plan on being here for a long time...flips,flops,flutters and all.
Sounds like pvcs are your crutch in life. Despite their frightening comings and goings, just keep up the "Benign" mantra. In fact, wasn't that you singing earlier today? LOL...I don't want to throw you for a loop, but don't be surprised if menopause doesn't make them more prevelant. Of course, by then, you'll be so focused on everything else that's going on (lol) you may not even care.
FYI...Because anxiety is one of my biggest crutches, I've been on a couple of different medications. Xanax has worked best for me and I only take it about 10 times/year. On occasion, I've taken it with a BB (Inderal) and they both worked...no problem with interactions. I did check with the doctor first and she was fine as long as I didn't find I was using it in increasing doses, etc. I'm too chicken for that...thank goodness.
When I started on flecainide in early 2003, I was admitted for observation. Doctor said I could still use the Xanax since she knew I was very nervous. I think I may have taken one, maybe not...can't even remember now. Talk with your doctor about what meds may be helpful for you. But, remember it really helps to have alternative (non-medicinal) therapies that work. Some people try yoga or other forms of physical exercise. That never really seemed to work for me....I preferred a quiet room, a good movie or book and some sunshine!
Take care and feel free to ask any questions that will help you get over your anxiety. Wait till menopause : ) That's a whole 'nother discussion : 0
Have a great day! Thanks again for your kind words.
Connie
Hello,
I noticed you replied but am not able to read your post on my pc for some odd reason???? I can only read the question and the doctors reply....may be it will come through later, thanks for replying.
I noticed you replied but am not able to read your post on my pc for some odd reason???? I can only read the question and the doctors reply....may be it will come through later, thanks for replying.
Wondering why your doctor is considering flecainide prior to getting the King of Hearts results. Flecainide is a pretty potent medicine and if you have a bening form of arrythmia the RX could aggravate your symptoms.
I had thousands of pvcs everyday, including salvos and nsvt (not a true VT). The doctor still preferred BB's over Class IC anti-arrythmics. Just curios why the big jump in RX? I understand your doctor thinks you could be experiencing a-fib or svt, but does he/she think it is serious?
Does the toporol work most of the time? When you say it lasted "a minute or two" do you mean that literally? My nsvt episodes generally last under 30 seconds, but they are unnerving. Hope you are having a better day today : )
connie
I had thousands of pvcs everyday, including salvos and nsvt (not a true VT). The doctor still preferred BB's over Class IC anti-arrythmics. Just curios why the big jump in RX? I understand your doctor thinks you could be experiencing a-fib or svt, but does he/she think it is serious?
Does the toporol work most of the time? When you say it lasted "a minute or two" do you mean that literally? My nsvt episodes generally last under 30 seconds, but they are unnerving. Hope you are having a better day today : )
connie
I was written a prescription for Tambocor(flecainide) in 1992 after my first prolonged bout of PVCs. I never did have it filled, there was alot a debate about its proarrhythmic effects at the time. I was advised never to take it by an EP I seen 93, seen the same EP in 87.
I understand it works wonders for some people, others it makes no difference, or makes the arrhythmia worse, for me personally I'm glad I never did take it as I think the benefits don't outweigh the risks, my opinion only.
I understand it works wonders for some people, others it makes no difference, or makes the arrhythmia worse, for me personally I'm glad I never did take it as I think the benefits don't outweigh the risks, my opinion only.
why did the comments disappear??? Sorry to violate the rules if I did .....bascically really feeling bad just wanted to ask if anyone else feels the same way out there.....this forum is very helpful, but this makes me sad that no one will be able to read my post and they just might have experienced the same thing..:-(
Hi,
I welcomed your post, particularly question # 4.
I do not believe the cardio 'answered' your query about
the what if of having a NSVT - possibly leading to a VT
episode - during sleep.
I have experiences with SVT. Those I know of as to how
they present via their rhythms. Then there is another variety
of tachycardia which is not SVT but which I conclude to be
NSVT. Given the latter type of rhythm I too speculate from
time to time upon going to sleep whether I would be afforded
a timely awakening in the event of a NSVT 'translating' into
a sustained VT.
I do not think the cardios answer to your question #4
was addressed - informatively.
VC
I welcomed your post, particularly question # 4.
I do not believe the cardio 'answered' your query about
the what if of having a NSVT - possibly leading to a VT
episode - during sleep.
I have experiences with SVT. Those I know of as to how
they present via their rhythms. Then there is another variety
of tachycardia which is not SVT but which I conclude to be
NSVT. Given the latter type of rhythm I too speculate from
time to time upon going to sleep whether I would be afforded
a timely awakening in the event of a NSVT 'translating' into
a sustained VT.
I do not think the cardios answer to your question #4
was addressed - informatively.
VC
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