Can SVT return after an ablation?

[cmoates]

I am 26 years old. I had an SVT ablation about 4 years ago and it was successful. I didn't start having symptoms again until about a month ago. My episodes started off small and far apart, but they have slowly increased in length and duration. They are occurring almost always at night. Can SVT return after this long? Would another ablation be needed or medication? I'm just asking advice and I know I would need to see my cardiologist for a professional opinion. Thank you for any help you can provide.
Candice

[Nmh97]

Hi @cmoates I just wanted to ask how you went as l have had the exact same thing happen to me! Did u have to have another ablation?

[2210485]

Ablations for SVT and flutter are 94%-96% curative for at least 1 year.

After which there is a percentage that can return.

There is also the chance that there were multiple sites, e.g. one in the left stria and one in the right, and,that only 1,of the 2,was active and visible at the time.

I don't have data to back this up lile I do for the 96% number however;

Based on anexdotal experience 70%-80% of svt ablations never need to come back again in their life.

20%-30% unfortunately will qualify for round 2 and 3%-5% will need a 3rd or fourth

[Nmh97]

Thank you so much for the reply

[AlfieFallowfield]

I had my operation when I was 11 years old after my episodes started getting worse and they became a real risk. I am now 17 and am back in and out of hospital because I keep having palpitations and the feeling I used to get as my episodes would start. my resting heart rate is now between 100 and 120 bpm. I have been told not to do anything that could raise my heart rate much as I get very tired very fast and it becomes painful for me. I ran about 2 minutes not long ago and had very bad chest pains, couldn't breath right and was coughing up blood. My doctors told me it is possible for my SVT to return though they don't think that is what is happening with me. When I had my original operation they said in future I may have to have a pace maker fitted so that's what they think is happening with me. To answer your question, yes SVT can return but its best to get your doctors opinion and not worry. I hope to have a healthy life one day and be able to do things everyone else my age can. I also hope you and anyone else struggling with reoccurring symptoms recovers soon and can also live a healthy life one day. - Anna-louise.F

[MichelleP_3811]

Well I am not a doctor so I really don't completely understand the heart and bp but my bp would actually be too low when I was in tachycardia so I find it interesting that yours is going high.  It may indicate something important so make sure you tell the doctor when you go see them.

[cmoates]

The SVT isn't nearly as intense as it was, but it is slowly increasing in duration and intensity. I know my pulse was much higher the first time around than the readings that I am getting now (around 160 & my bp sky rockets), but it still feels the same to me. I do not remember the exact type of svt that was ablated. My doctor urged ablation the first time, simply because I was so young. Thank you for your input!

[MichelleP_3811]

Yes, the scar tissue that is created to block the extra pathway can heal especially in younger people.  It could also be a secondary pathway that has shown up just now.  It is not unheard of for people with heart rhythm issues to have more than one issue.  So it could be a second extra muscle fiber giving you issues or it could be a different issue all together.  Do the episodes feel the same as your previous svt did?  Do you know what your pulse is when you have an episode?  What type of svt did you have ablated?  Anyways, you will indeed need to see your cardiologist to get this diagnosed.  A second ablation may be necessary.  I hesitate to suggest choosing meds to control it because my doctor pretty much believed the meds really didn't do a whole lot to stop the episodes though they may help slow them down when they occurred but once you have it diagnosed you can discuss with your doctor what the best options for you are.  Take care and keep us posted on how you are.