SVT and Thyroid

[Erinher]

I am a 25 year old female. I have had SVT episodes three times already spanning from 9 months apart to a year for each one.  During my episodes my heart rate can be from 170-220 bpm. I instantly panic when this happens which does not seem to help, actually making my heart rate worse. At the hospital they give me adenosine which works but makes me feel like im dying! This is really taking over my life now. I am afraid to be active, to drink, to breathe deep...etc. of fear it could send me into another attack. After my last attack (last week) I have been put on beta blockers, which seem to calm my resting heart rate down. I cannot tell if it works for my SVT because the attacks are so infrequent.

I have also done blood tests to show elevated thyroid function but when they do another test to look at the thyroid levels closely they say that it is not bad enough to do anything about it. I dont know what to do anymore.

I have heard of people have ablation done, but I have not found a doctor to look into my thyroid further. Could that be the cause? and if so, is there another test to prove so other than blood tests? I am terrified of the thought of ablation, but am looking into it because I cannot live like this.

[chuparosa]

Keep checking with your doctor on the thyroid. It could have something to do with your svt. And do not be afaid to ask your doctor a million questions. Even if you forget to ask a question while you are in the office, call back or make another appointment if you still have questions. This forum is a great place but your doctor is the best place for answers.

Getting to the bottom of your svt could take a while. From 30 day monitors to ep studies, sometimes it just takes time for doctors to get to the root of the problem. In the meantime, try not to be too frightened.

[Jerry_NJ]

Ablation may be a good option.  Any cardiologist should be able to make sound recommendations, and may consult with an EP (Electrophysiologist - I think that's right) on the risk reward of Ablation.

On the other hand, if you can get relief from a beta blocker, that could be the best way to go.

I believe SVT ablation procedures typically have good results, relatively low risk and relatively high probability of success.  Nothing is perfectly safe, nor perfectly effective... I think that's why we try all the low risk stuff first: e.g., beta blocker.  

If you haven't had a complete heart exam including stress test and echocardiogram you may want to discuss the possible benefits of either or both of these in measuring and diagnosing your condition.

All that said, find ways to take you mind off of your heart, away from worrying, that will help reduce the frequency, I believe.