6 hour V-Tach?

I've been having intermittent problems with VT for the last 10 years now (I'm 28). It used to be much more frequent, but hasn't been that much of a problem for the last few years, only happening several times a year now. I've seen a few doctors, but none have ever been able to 'catch' it on a EKG. I'm not currently on any medication.

Two days ago, I had an episode out of the blue, for the first time in a year, that lasted a little over 6 hours. My heart rate stayed around 250 the whole time and I felt like I was choking (plus dizziness and seeing stars). Yesterday and today, I've had aching chest pain, can't move very fast without feeling like I need to catch my breath, and feel like I have an egg lodged in my throat.

Has anyone else had an experience like this? I think I probably should have gone to the hospital.  

[Brooke_38]

Hello...

6 hours of VT with a rate of 250? Are you sure this was truly VT? I had VT with a rate of 250 for 10 minutes before I passed out. Unless you were having symptoms an EKG would not be the best tool to capture an event. Your best bet would be an event monitor. These are usually given for 21-30 days.

You really should have this checked out. The symptoms you describe regarding your throat...I feel this choking or tightening sensation when I'm in rapid afib or atrial flutter.

You have never been given medications for this? Why not?

[ireneo]

I have to agree with Brooke - most people wouldn't survive 6 hours of v-tach. The ventricles would not be able to keep up that pace for long. Atrial tachycardia however can go on for days. Still, that would be worth a visit to the cardiologist to find out what's going on and how to manage it.

[hm7380]

I was only going on assumption that it was v-tach... it very well could be something else. I wore a holter monitor a few years back and all it picked up was PVC's. The dr gave me some nadolol, which essentially did nothing to help. I've never really pursued seeing a cardiologist because of the relative infrequency of the attacks, however, as the last 5 or 6 times have lasted upwards of 4 hours each, I'm beginning to be concerned with the lasting effects on my heart. I'm otherwise healthy, but even so, I don't want to push my luck.  

[Brooke_38]

You had mentioned that you've had intermittent problems with VT for 10 years. Has it ever been captured on an EKG or monitor? I also wondered what method did you use to measure your heart rate at 250?

It could very well be some form of SVT. Of course, this is my assumption since I only have your symptoms to base this on. I think that you should make an appt with your cardiologist to have this checked out. When was your last Echo?

[PikaPika88]

6 hour of V-tach, I'm shocking too.  Some doctor read word with strong tone and light tone in one sentance.  When I asked my cardio read my pacemaker interrogation report, "percent of counts paced in ventricle - 99%".  He read out loud "percent of counts ^^^^ in ventricle - ^^^^." Some word missing, some word very light tone, only he can hear.  I always ask my doctor write it down for me.  I can't spell the medical terminology, I want to check it in the website and I can show to other doctors as well.  Write down save to cause confusing.