What can I do to stop SVT?

[Benny_tiredofSVT]

I'm 34 years old and I have been experiencing SVT for about two years now. At first In would have an episode every few months. Now It's happening every day more then 4 times a day. Yesterday I went to a festival that required a lot of walking. I had to keep stopping to take a break because I have an episode that lasted just about the whole day. I'm tired going to the ER for the quick fix. Vagal maneuvers don't work for me. Doctor recently put my on Metroprolol but that's not even working anymore. I need help!!!

[researcher09]

It is just amazing to me that doctors would let their patient's SVT progress to a point where they prescribe meds that have low efficacy plus high complication rates.  It would only make sense if the doctor doesn't trust any EPs in his network.  Still the doctor should at least suggest going to an expert EP skilled in ablations outside of his network.  Hope you get your SVT fixed soon.

[bigkev414]

for me the only thing that reduced the frequency hs been Atenalol. 1/2 tablet morning and 1/2 night. It took a week or two to get used to, and upset my stomach but I perservered and now only have the odd SVT a couple of times a year. Prolonged Stress is the worst trigger for me. Before I started on the
tenormin virtually any form of exercise would trigger it - I remember in the garage one day and I got a hacksaw and started to cut a piece of wood, and within seconds the SVT cut in
I've discussed ablation but it's a last resorts far as I'm concerned and with the reduced frequency due to the atenalol I can live with it.
Discuss it with the doc and try it.

[tom_h]

In my opinion, 4 times per day is excessive.  As I aged, my near life long SVT increased to about 3-5 times per month.  The increase in frequency as you age seems to be a pretty normal progression.  For me, vagal maneuvers, ie. holding my breath and squeezing always worked.  There are other things you can try.  A face plant onto icy water works for some.  Doing a headstand against a wall for balance works for others.  Another technique that is effective but requires some instruction by a medical professional is carotid artery massage.  Someone here said jumping up and down a few times did it for them.  It often started it for me.

If I were you, I go see your physician, and make an appointment with an electrophysiologist for an internal study with ablation.  Ablation therapy will most likely eliminate your SVT forever, then you can get on with your life free of it.  It's a one day procedure that requires hardly any recovery from.  I had 54 years of SVT before getting it eliminated.  My electrophysiologist was the first person I saw when I awoke from my procedure.  He peered into my awakening eyes and said, "Shoulda seen me sooner!".  He was right.  I could have added years to my life free of SVT.  If I were you, I wouldn't wait to enjoy a life free of SVT.  Always here if you want questions answered.