Long term effects on cardiac cateterization

Nine years ago I had a cardiac cateterization for WPW.  It was successful in stopping the WPW, but I immediately noticed a change in my breathing.  I was a "young" and active 50 year-old, who was heavy into biking and kayaking.  I was biking 15 miles a day before work, and on the weekends I did 30 miles a day.   And I would go kayaking for two hours every evening.   But after the ablation, I would get winded quickly and never again had the stamina that I did before the ablation.  Now it is 9 years later and I have been rushed to the hospital four times this year with bouts of extremely high blood pressure.  For no reason at all - when I least expect it, my blood pressure will soar to 220/120 and my pulse rate will double.  My vision goes blurry, I feel like I am suffocating and can't get enough air, I feel nauseated and light headed - like I am going to pass out, and get a feeling of doom - like I am just going to "fade away" and die.  
The last time that I was hospitalized  (three months ago) I had chest pressure and in the ambulance they were not able to get my blood pressure down, so I was admitted and all kind of tests were done.  They say my heart is fine.  But I have had three more episodes since.  I have not called 911 for them because the BP has not gone over 200 (which they told me to get to a hospital when it does that again). It has been close (199/110) and it has scared me and made me feel like I was on my way out again.  But I did not want to go to the hospital, knowing that they would not find anything again.  I want to know if anyone has had similar problems after an ablation.

[Douglas Bogart, MD]

I do not think your symptoms are due to the ablation for WPW.  Sudden surges in the blood pressure could be due to elevated levels of catecholeamines (adrenaline).  Did the doctors check for a pheochromocytoma or did they do an exercise echocardiogram?  These tests might be helpful.

[debh]

Yes, I have been tested twice for pheochromocytoma.  But not an exercise echocardiogram.  My GP is now trying to get me in to a kidney specialist, but there are no appointments available until January.  So, tomorrow we are going to try the Mayo Clinic.

Thanks for your prompt response.