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Heart Disease Community
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Opinions wanted! conduction problem and low normal EF
by vwoolf950, Jun 26, 2008 08:25AM
Hello, I am new to this forum, and am seeking advice/opinions...very glad to be here. I am 43 year old female, I was diagnosed with svt in Jan. after having several symtomatic episodes of syncope and HR 170-200...even when just sitting. I have Mitral regurge. I was put on cardizem, and it worked for awhile, felt better. After a few weeks I feel like meds not working as well, as I am having more tachy episodes, one at work where they shipped me to the ER.
Saw my cardiologist. She said I should have ablation since meds not working. I have increase S.O.B with mild excertion, chest congestion increase at night and cough. I had a cath 1 week ago. She said no blockages, but I did have damage to ventricles, probably from a virus, my EF was 50%
She backed off ablation idea, says she wants me to see EP to see what he thinks...when I asked why, she said more complicated, after seeing what she saw, maybe should keep trying meds.
Why would she say that? I am worried if I should have the surgery or not. I frequently have svt, bigem. and lots of pvc's. My dad has had 3 heart attacks. My aunt, his sister died of sudden cardiac death.
I am frustrated that I have trouble keeping up with basic activities.
I have been on lipitor for 2 years and changed my diet, my chol.is normal now, and no blockages. I feel my heart is working overtime...
Any advice would be greatly appreciated...thank you.....Jeri
Saw my cardiologist. She said I should have ablation since meds not working. I have increase S.O.B with mild excertion, chest congestion increase at night and cough. I had a cath 1 week ago. She said no blockages, but I did have damage to ventricles, probably from a virus, my EF was 50%
She backed off ablation idea, says she wants me to see EP to see what he thinks...when I asked why, she said more complicated, after seeing what she saw, maybe should keep trying meds.
Why would she say that? I am worried if I should have the surgery or not. I frequently have svt, bigem. and lots of pvc's. My dad has had 3 heart attacks. My aunt, his sister died of sudden cardiac death.
I am frustrated that I have trouble keeping up with basic activities.
I have been on lipitor for 2 years and changed my diet, my chol.is normal now, and no blockages. I feel my heart is working overtime...
Any advice would be greatly appreciated...thank you.....Jeri
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Welcome to the Heart Community! I hope you find the site helpful.
I read your story with great interest since I faced a similar problem (not exactly the same) about 5 years ago. I have not had SVT, but I did have very frequent PVCs and bigeminal episodes that seemed endless. I was having about 1000 PVCs/hour, and wasn't really too concerned because I had been assured for years that I would be fine.
About 5 years ago, I had an echocardiogram to assess a leaky mitral valve. I have had MVP/MR for a long time and went for annual checkups. I was surprised when the doctor called to inform me that my EF had dropped and my left ventricle was not functioning well. After lots of tests and discussions, the doctors determined I had PVC-induced cardiomyopathy. I'm wondering if your EF has been compromised from a similar situation. Chronic tachy episodes (including frequent pvcs) can lead to a change in ventricular function. It is a rare occurence, and it may not even apply in your situation, but it may be something to ask the EP about.
I had two ablations (RVOT and LVOT) and my EF returned to normal. Now, I have occasional PVCs, but nothing like in the past and my EF is still at 60%. It took 6-12 months for my EF to get back to that level, but it has been normal ever since.
Sounds like you are doing your best to minimize your risk factors for heart disease - YEAH!! You definitely want an experienced EP to do the ablation! It is a procedure that requires skill and good techniques....I think it's best to see the EP. I'll bet he/she will be able to put your mind at ease.
Connie
Good info to have...I suppose the EP would be able to tell me more...I forgot to say I have lost 30 pounds in the last year, without much effort on my part, some diet changes...I am glad of course, but wondered if heart was working harder, could that cause this. Thanks so much for your response. I do not get to see the EP until aug. and am on reduced work...my cardiologist put me on 8 hour shifts instead of my usual 12..that hurts!! Said I needed to rest....I am glad you are feeling better and to hear of success with your ablation...Jeri
Keep us posted! Hang in there.....The visit with the EP should be really helpful.