SVT Onset

[Darcilewis]

Hello, my so, who is 17 years old, just recently had an SVT attack this last week-end after a 20 minute intense show choir competition.  This consists of alot of fast dancing.  It started about 45 minutes after his performance.  He does take focalin for ADD, but didn't take on that day.  His heart rate reached 222 and had to be given Adenosine, as it lasted over an hour.  He was then transported to ER and tests were run. The blood work, EKG and Chest x ray all came back OK.  He is going to meet with Cariologist tomorrow.  My question is:  Is this common to happen out of the blue?  My son is pretty healty 5'10" and 155 pounds - pretty fit and exercises frequently.  As a mother I am scared and want to know more.  Anything you can tell me, I would greatly appreciate it.

[ks1982]

It could have been the stress as well.  I've had SVT since around age 12 and one thing I've noticed is that my "episodes" can be brought on or made worse by stress.  It's possible that the excitement and the stress of the major competition initiated the episode and/or made his heart rate go even higher than it normally would during one of these episodes.   Alot of times, the anxiety that results while experiencing an episode of SVT can drive those heart rates up as well.    Has he been positively diagnosed as it being definately SVT or was it something like PSVT or Sinus Tachycardia or do they not know yet?   I know when I would end up in the ER before I was positively diagnosed, the ER doctors could only tell me that it was a tachycardia that was atrial in origin but they couldn't (or wouldn't) tell me definately what arrythymia I was experiencing.


You're sure to get a much more in depth explanation from the cardiologist tomorrow and he'll probably schedule more tests for your son as well.    Make sure to right down questions that you have today and take the list with you tomorrow so that you get everything answered without forgetting.   And keep in mind that most people tolerate (physically at least) SVT pretty well and that it doesn't pose a great danger in the absence of major structural heart disease.    

[Darcilewis]

Thanks for your comments.  They did bloodwork and didn't say anything about his electrolytes being off, but I didn't ask - I was scared and probably didn't ask enough questions.  I don't think he was dehydrated, but not sure.  Thanks for your comments - it helps!

[debbier]

He may have been dehydrated.   The cardiologist should make you feel better.  I am sure they will run all the necessary tests.   Did the ER check his electrolytes?
SVT usually comes out of the blue,  it could happen once or it could reoccur.  
I am sure the dr will have him wear a holter monitor for 24-48 hours and make sure he gets lots of excercise while he is wearing it.   If SVt is not a chronic problem usually they will just watch it.   Good Luck!