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Recurrent SVT
Firstly, thank you for providing this service and your expertise.
I am a 31 year old male, with recurrent SVT. I have had 3 RF Ablations in 4 years yet I have had 2 episodes since my last surgery. I have only had 10 episodes, and aside from the first 2, I've always gone to the ER. Also, aside from my first ER visit where Adenosine worked, Electro-cardiovertion 150 J, was needed.
I've had a Echo, and the first Ablation I had they went in through my neck (Angiogram?), but I've had very little feed back as to what my "condition/problem" is, aside from Recurrent SVT or A-typical SVT.
I also have severe anxiety, but am using medication for it, and handle it quite well. However I'm aware of its impact on my Hearts rhythm, and overall health. I have been unable to work or exercise for the past 2 yrs yet I do odd jobs.
My first episode happened 6 years ago, at which time I quit smoking cigarettes yet I still smoke Marijuana daily. Since my last episode I have had nearly constant (10-30 times a minute) PVC or PAC's (heart flutter) when I am stressed or physically active. I also have 2 abscessed wisdom teeth that due to my anxiety and finances have been unable to get surgery for yet.
My question, is "recurrent SVT" a form of heart disease, or a probable symptom of something else like CAD? I know that is difficult to answer with the info I've given, but I'm not sure if I should pursue a diagnosis or further testing from my EP or if Recurrent SVT is basically considered a benign nuisance.
& are my risks of Myocardial Infarction greater, less or unknown by my EP study?
I am a 31 year old male, with recurrent SVT. I have had 3 RF Ablations in 4 years yet I have had 2 episodes since my last surgery. I have only had 10 episodes, and aside from the first 2, I've always gone to the ER. Also, aside from my first ER visit where Adenosine worked, Electro-cardiovertion 150 J, was needed.
I've had a Echo, and the first Ablation I had they went in through my neck (Angiogram?), but I've had very little feed back as to what my "condition/problem" is, aside from Recurrent SVT or A-typical SVT.
I also have severe anxiety, but am using medication for it, and handle it quite well. However I'm aware of its impact on my Hearts rhythm, and overall health. I have been unable to work or exercise for the past 2 yrs yet I do odd jobs.
My first episode happened 6 years ago, at which time I quit smoking cigarettes yet I still smoke Marijuana daily. Since my last episode I have had nearly constant (10-30 times a minute) PVC or PAC's (heart flutter) when I am stressed or physically active. I also have 2 abscessed wisdom teeth that due to my anxiety and finances have been unable to get surgery for yet.
My question, is "recurrent SVT" a form of heart disease, or a probable symptom of something else like CAD? I know that is difficult to answer with the info I've given, but I'm not sure if I should pursue a diagnosis or further testing from my EP or if Recurrent SVT is basically considered a benign nuisance.
& are my risks of Myocardial Infarction greater, less or unknown by my EP study?
I never did smoke cigs, but I still have a few beers and smoked weed very occasionally while in high school, last time I smoked ganja(marijuana) I was 17 years old , I'll be 42, 2 weeks from tomorrow. I always suffered from tachycardia and occasional prolonged episodes of PVCs. I remember that is the one reason I just had to stop smoking weed with my friends , it would just make my heart speed up to the 140s to 150s after a few puffs, trust me anyone with heart rhythms problems, marijuana, alcohol and cigarettes should be a no, no, in my humble opinion. I can drink a few beers now and dont really have a problem with tachycardia or PVCs , it is probably because I take atenolol for the palps. Maybe you should lay off the weed and see if it makes a difference, it might take a few days or weeks to notice the change. Good luck.
I've found it difficult to discuss marijuana use with doctors or Cardiologists, for the obvious reasons. Its like telling your mechanic that you pour sand in your engine once in a while, but your hopeful it wont cause serious damage.
However to the contrary of my suspicion, most Doctors don't seem to think its that harmful. With that said, and like collegegirl143 mentioned, there has been relatively little research done on the long term effects I would assume. I would also think the number of Doctors or Cardiologist who use Marijuana chronically aren't that great (thank god). Also since its not always easy to discuss, a good portion of patients likely deny or don't advise their doctors about usage.
I've never been prescribed anything, and I've only seen my EP Cardiologist in pre and post surgery appointments. I did visit a Cardiologist before I had SVT episodes, and only because of frequent PVC's or PAC's. I'm really not sure which I experience, or if I get both. Some feel like I'm a split second away from dropping dead, and others I hardly notice. I believe due to the steady jolts of adrenaline I get with the PAC/PVC's effect my brain chemistry, Hormones, & behavior, which is either a cause in part or whole of my Anxiety, or a result it. Either way, its a vicious circle that I'm trying to get out of, and yet doing all the wrong things.
I figured if I was as straight forward as possible I might get a wake up call I actually answer. I know I'm a poster boy for Heart disease ignorance in ways, but I'm far from the worst. I avoid saturated fat and cholesterol as much as possible. I haven't had my Cholesterol checked, and I've only worn a Holter monitor after my ablations.
I also should have mentioned that my EP told me I fine after every ECG/EKG I've had. Yet I got a SVT episode 2 weeks after my 2'nd post op appointment/EKG. I'm not the greatest at talking with doctors in terms of getting a complete understanding of whats going on. I feel guilty about asking, since my knowing only serves to ease my mind. But I'm going to get an appointment soon and try to figure out if theres anything to worry about.
Thanks for the comments.
However to the contrary of my suspicion, most Doctors don't seem to think its that harmful. With that said, and like collegegirl143 mentioned, there has been relatively little research done on the long term effects I would assume. I would also think the number of Doctors or Cardiologist who use Marijuana chronically aren't that great (thank god). Also since its not always easy to discuss, a good portion of patients likely deny or don't advise their doctors about usage.
I've never been prescribed anything, and I've only seen my EP Cardiologist in pre and post surgery appointments. I did visit a Cardiologist before I had SVT episodes, and only because of frequent PVC's or PAC's. I'm really not sure which I experience, or if I get both. Some feel like I'm a split second away from dropping dead, and others I hardly notice. I believe due to the steady jolts of adrenaline I get with the PAC/PVC's effect my brain chemistry, Hormones, & behavior, which is either a cause in part or whole of my Anxiety, or a result it. Either way, its a vicious circle that I'm trying to get out of, and yet doing all the wrong things.
I figured if I was as straight forward as possible I might get a wake up call I actually answer. I know I'm a poster boy for Heart disease ignorance in ways, but I'm far from the worst. I avoid saturated fat and cholesterol as much as possible. I haven't had my Cholesterol checked, and I've only worn a Holter monitor after my ablations.
I also should have mentioned that my EP told me I fine after every ECG/EKG I've had. Yet I got a SVT episode 2 weeks after my 2'nd post op appointment/EKG. I'm not the greatest at talking with doctors in terms of getting a complete understanding of whats going on. I feel guilty about asking, since my knowing only serves to ease my mind. But I'm going to get an appointment soon and try to figure out if theres anything to worry about.
Thanks for the comments.
i cant comment on what effect weed might have on the heart, because im not sure if there has ever been a legit study done, but it is known to cause anxiety and depression so its probably counter acting your anxiety meds.. Another thing to keep in mind.. THC can make your blood pressure drop, which in turn can increase the heart rate, which can lead to an episode of SVT..
I dont think recurrent SVT is indicative of CAD, but if you did have CAD, the svt would become more of a problem. Im sorry your ablations havent worked, are you on a beta blocker or anti arrhythmic?
I dont think recurrent SVT is indicative of CAD, but if you did have CAD, the svt would become more of a problem. Im sorry your ablations havent worked, are you on a beta blocker or anti arrhythmic?
First, I appreciate your frankness on the daily weed thingy. I'd be interested in hearing from others who occasionally indulge in a little marijuana consumption as opposed to those addicted to cigarettes/nicotine. Although I have NEVER tried the stuff myself (chortle, chortle), I'm wondering what the relative risk factor for weed use would be, balanced by the calming effect some claim to get from smoking the stuff. Be brave, fellow posters-let us know your experience/belief/doctor's opinion.
My Ablations were around a year apart. It definitely got worse with time, in terms of how often I would get a SVT episode. When I kept working I was in the ER twice a month. I have quit smoking Marijuana, and I rarely drink, and although I notice a improvement when I've quit, I find it too hard to resist. I get way too tense and stressed out when I don't use pot (denial speech).
My uncle did of heart disease at 53, and we were much alike regarding temperament, and Cannabis use. I also had fainting spells every year or so from age 13 to 19, which I think may have been SVT or arrhythmia related yet I never felt or noticed my heart. I used to play hockey for 12 years and I live at 4000 ft, so I had the lungs of a horse. I would notice the burning in my throat (Jugular and Lactic acid) I'd get when I was gassed hard wouldn't go away as quickly as it should. I.E, I wouldn't recoup normally, and after I caught my breath I would get out of breath quickly, almost instantly.
Now my emotions impact or effect on my heart rhythm is massively exaggerated. If I get angry my heart pounds so hard and fast it instantly floors me, once with SVT. I've had Cognitive Behavior therapy which changed my life 180 degrees. Yet I still have zero energy, scary palpitations, and SVT usually triggered by exertion. It's interesting that I can "catch" a SVT or re-entry and if I like hold my breath (hard to explain) I can stop it. I always convert when I cant "catch" it. BTW I know I have out there analogies and medical conspiracy theories, lol.
Thanks again
My uncle did of heart disease at 53, and we were much alike regarding temperament, and Cannabis use. I also had fainting spells every year or so from age 13 to 19, which I think may have been SVT or arrhythmia related yet I never felt or noticed my heart. I used to play hockey for 12 years and I live at 4000 ft, so I had the lungs of a horse. I would notice the burning in my throat (Jugular and Lactic acid) I'd get when I was gassed hard wouldn't go away as quickly as it should. I.E, I wouldn't recoup normally, and after I caught my breath I would get out of breath quickly, almost instantly.
Now my emotions impact or effect on my heart rhythm is massively exaggerated. If I get angry my heart pounds so hard and fast it instantly floors me, once with SVT. I've had Cognitive Behavior therapy which changed my life 180 degrees. Yet I still have zero energy, scary palpitations, and SVT usually triggered by exertion. It's interesting that I can "catch" a SVT or re-entry and if I like hold my breath (hard to explain) I can stop it. I always convert when I cant "catch" it. BTW I know I have out there analogies and medical conspiracy theories, lol.
Thanks again
Just out of curiosity, does anyone mind telling me a rough estimate of what an EP study and Ablation cost? I am curious. Thank you! Michelle
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