SVT

[Jules310]

I am taking Atenolol for tachycardia.  I started taking it a year ago when I was 7 months pregnant, diagnosed with SVT.  I have had years of problems with tachycardia, which my family doctor thought was due to anxiety (was put on anti-anxiety meds which did not help) , and was relieved when my obstetrician sent me to a cardiololgist and I got some answers.  I was taking 25 mg, but was recently  finding the side effects disturbing (fatigue, dizziness, aches and pains, especially calf pain...) I tried to go off of it, but found my heart rate to be too high (resting 110-120).  I had a 24 hr. Holter monitor, but have not heard back from my cardiololgist (they said no news is good news), and I can't get an appointment for 3 months.  The fatigue, dizziness, and aches and pains went away after stopping the Atenolol, but I my rapid and bounding  heart rate was uncomfortable, and was even worse with any physical activity, such as walking upstairs.  So I went back on the Atenolol, but only 12.5 mg, which is much better for my heart rate (resting now about 80), side effects not as bad, but still there.  
Is there a better alternative to Atenolol with less side effects?   If I was to get pregnant again, what would the risk be to the baby?  I know the benefits outweiged the risks by taking it late in my pregnancy, and there were no problems with my daughter, but what about taking it at the early developing stages of pregnancy?  I know ablation is something to consider, but it scares me....
Thanks,
Jewel

[Michael J. McWilliams, M.D.]

Is there a better alternative to Atenolol with less side effects?

There are other beta blockers like metoprolol.  I find that a lot of people have symtpoms with atenolol and metoprolol is better tolerated.

If I was to get pregnant again, what would the risk be to the baby?  

Beta blockers are associated with smaller birth weight babies.  It is generally considered safe with pregnancy but as rule medications should be avoided unless absolutely necessary.

I know the benefits outweiged the risks by taking it late in my pregnancy, and there were no problems with my daughter, but what about taking it at the early developing stages of pregnancy?

I am not aware of any specific problems assoicated with beta blockers besides low birth weight.  That being said, the best is approach is to take as few medications as possible, especially in the first trimester.

I know ablation is something to consider, but it scares me....

Ablation is an absolute last resort for inappropriate sinus tachycardia.  It has a 60-70 success rate.

I hope this helps. thanks for posting.

[alboski]

MY NAME IS ALBERT THOMPSON I HAVE SVT AND THAT I AM TAKING DILTIZEM 240MG A DAY I AM CONSIDERING AN ABLATION? IS THIS OK TO TAKE THE DILTIZEM FOR A LONG TERM OR TO GET AN ABLATION?.