Weighting my options

[angelia1976]

I am 5’ 10”, 135 lbs, 33 year old woman, and I was diagnosed with SVT in high school. Major attacks are random and relatively infrequent. They present quickly, with overwhelming nausea, hot flashes, the craving for water, “heavy pulse”, and the feeling of “not getting enough air”. I then pass out and have a seizure, usually resulting in my being injured (from hitting my head, twisting a knee, etcetera…). I have tried multiple medications in the past including beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, and digoxin. The medication was unsuccessful at alleviating the attacks. I have been counseled in the past (over ten years ago) about the catheter ablation procedure, and was reluctant mostly due to fear and lack of faith that it would successfully end the attacks. Now that I am getting older the attacks seem worse, and it hurts more/takes longer to heal from the annoying injuries. I am again reconsidering the catheter ablation procedure. My question is 1) what are the chances of dying or have a serious complication from the attacks vs. 2) the chances of dying or have a serious complication from the procedure? I have read that SVT attacks can result in stroke or sudden death, but I have also read many reports of the procedure not working/making matters worse, or of the possibility of needing a pacemaker. I want to be as informed as possible about potential risks involved before making this decision. Thank you.

[Cleveland Clinic]

The risk of the procedure is very low, around 1% of serious complications has been reported with SVT ablation. I certainly think that the risk of the procedure is much lower than the risk from these episodes.  I can't believe that you would actually tolerate this for this long.  It seems very scary and definitely is dangerous.  Imagine if you were driving  a car at the time of the episode.  The risk of a stroke is very low.  The risk of a pacemaker is about 0.5 to 1%.  The risk of success depends on the type of arrhythmia ranging from about 70% to about 98%.  I would definitely encourage you to have the procedure done.  I would at least have an EP study to make sure that the diagnosis is correct and that the risks from the arrhythmia are low.    

[Cleveland Clinic]

You are welcome.

[angelia1976]

I know it probably seems strange to deal with this rather than have the procedure done. But for me the attacks are a known quantity (all be it an uncomfortable, embarrassing, and sometimes injurious one). The procedure on the other hand seems frightening and invasive. I feel better knowing the chances of a serious complication are low.... Thank you for your input/advice.