in SVT now...how else to convert

[1scrappychic]

I'm in SVT now, and don't want to make the trip to the ER for adenosine :(  I've tried ice water, handstands, corotid massage, bearing down.  Anything else I can try?

[Diego5454]

You can take a medicine that is supposed to help. Ask doc about fleicanide. Otherwise take an ice bath or strip down and jump in the snow. I also find bending over and touching my toes helps or trying yoga. Lightly pressing your shut eyes with your fingers can do it.

[Brit56]

I have so many issues with heart and have pacemaker/defibrillator. Am on Ace and Beta and amiodarone. I have had 2 ablations. After the 2nd I thought I was in the clear. I had a good 15 months. Back again. When I feel heart race and device start to try and pace me back I start vagal maneuvers and have had good success rate. For me 150bpm causes pacing and at 160bpm I get shocked. I can bring bpm down to get out of danger range. Its always a success when I don't get shocked. I'm also fortunate because doc has prescribed Lorazepam 0.5mg. It is an anti anxiolytic which really helps and eventually even allows me to sleep and reduce bpm further. There are plenty of examples on You Tube. I can't put a link. Search " How to convert out of SVT" Theres a young man who goes through many different ideas he uses whilst in rapid heart rate. Watch it. He is great. Then check out "carotid sinus massage" and "modified valsalva manoeuvre for supraventricula tachycardia" Manoeuvre spelled this way is UK form.

[is_something_wrong]

I would advice all to use common sense when posting on this community. I'm happy you get help with how to convert a supraventricular tachycardia, but I would strongly advice people with ongoing / acute arrhythmias not to seek answers on forums, but to call their physicians / emergency room.

In this case, it seems the diagnosis were clear and I assume the doctor told you to ask for adenosine only if it didn't convert by itself. So I guess it was OK to ask.

General rule is still: If you are having acute cardiac symptoms; chest pain, arrhythmias, etc.. do NOT post here, see your physician. You are welcome to post and share your experiences when you come home :)

Sorry for this post, but I think it's important to keep in mind.

[Dannycalifornia]

How much does it cost to go to ER for conversion?
I usually svt attacks but tried to live with them. They last fron an hour to 3 day.

[tom_h]

I was pretty groggy when I scooted onto the cath table, but I remember the nurses placing pads under my upper arms and shoulders and a wedge under each knee so they were bent up slightly. It was actually a pretty comfortable position, but then I don't have 3 herniated discs!  From the time I got on the table until I was permitted to stand up to (prove I could) go to the bathroom was approximately 7 hours.

After my ablation, I really didn't feel any different. I was a little hesitant to try my "new" heart out, but by early January, frequent snowfalls forced me to get out and start using it.  Thankfully, my heart behaved where formerly it was anybody's guess if it would act up or not.

I do have a new found energy today, but that's from almost totally eliminating carbohydrates from my diet. In the past 2 months, I've dropped 12 pounds and one waist size, and determined to regain perhaps a little bit of my former youth.  Talk to your specialist, perhaps they can accommodate your special requirements.

[littlegreenman1]

Yes - the worst part of the ablation is: you can potentially be FLAT on your back for 15 hours. That hurt like hell and my back is good.

[merileegal]

First to 1scrappychick: Glad to hear you converted. Wow, 2 hours is a long time. I read the other day from a nurse who says it works every time for patients with tachycardias. Take a deep breath in and hold it while trying to lift both legs up off the bed at the same time. I haven't tried it myself yet, but next time my svt acts up I will.

To Tom: So glad to hear your ablation worked. I'm considering it and I do have insurance right now. The thing that is holding me back is my back. I have 3 herniated discs in my lower back and the worst position in the world for me is when I lay flat on my back. I understand you have to lay on your back for hours. I don't know if I can do that. At the same time, I live in fear that this thing will go off. I teach school and it has done it several times while I'm teaching. It would be so nice to not have to worry about it anymore because it really interferes  with my life. What to do???? You sound so liberated!! Do you feel like you have more energy overall since your ablation?

[Elli126]

Hi, I just had to comment when I read your post...we are both in the same boat! Tom H. nearly has me talked into an ablation ( I am such a big chicken ) but I have no insurance yet. I never convert from my PSVT ( well once I did ) without a trip to the ER and Adenosine and I'm looking forward to a more permanent solution. Unfortunately here in VA our state health plans are relegated to women with young children and children themselves. My children are grown and I do not qualify for assistance. I own my own business and the cost of buying ins. is rediculous.  77K out of pocket isn'y happening either so my search continues...

[tom_h]

Well, that's certainly a valid reason to hold off until you can get insurance of some type.  In Massachusetts where I live, we are required to have health insurance and we must prove so yearly on our state tax returns.  We have a state health plan called MassHealth for people on limited or no income.  I think employers are required to offer it here, also.  The procedure can vary widely in price.  The total bill for mine was right around $77K.  I hope the rough patch smooths out for you soon.

[1scrappychic]

I am thinking about ablation, but I don't have insurance :(  It's been a rough couple of years...I've never had any health issues, and this just started about 18 months ago.  But, I've only had 5 episodes in that time...so for at least another year, I'll just have to keep trying to moderate with medicine.

[tom_h]

Glad to hear you converted.  Mine would run on forever and would never convert on it's own.  Fortunately though it was easy to convert with Valsalva. 54 years, and igot each time.  So, are you thinking ablation yet? It has changed my life.  So far, I've lost 15 lbs, and one waist size. 2 hours in SVT can wash you out.  Hope you can get some rest!

[1scrappychic]

Thanks Tom.  I was in it for about 2 hours.  It converted out on it's own.  First time without going to the ER.  Boy that feels good!
I did try bearing down, and also the ice water.  neither of those worked. :(

[tom_h]

Try sitting on the stairs to brIng the legs upmtowards the chest, take a short breath, and bear down for about 4 seconds.  Did you try placing your face in a pan of ice water?