My daughter

[heart sick]

Please help, my 20 year old daughter was diagnosed with venticular tachycardia 5 years ago. Long story so I wont go in to great detail. She has had every test I think there is. They found the VT when she had an event monitor on for 30 days. The Dr said that she had 18 sustained beats or somthing like that. She only had one other documented event after that. Her Dr did not want to but in a defibulator saying that her age and only 2 events in 5 years just wasnt enough documentation to do somthing that drastic. All through school they told her no physical activity. Now she is in college and during a P.E. class a coach watched her one the mile now he is begging her to join cross country running
he even thinks with her times she good get a really good scholorship.  I am terified but she is insisting that I let her live her own life and she wants to experience as much as she can. But she doesnt understand what we do as parents, life is short enough if you are healthy why risk it just to run. Is it possible that her heart is better? Did she outgrow it? PLease help me to help her.

[Momto3]

Hi "Mom"

As a parent, I can also relate to your concerns.  I would insist that she have a cardiac workup with an electrophysiologist.  These doctors are experts at diagnosing and treating rhythm disturbances.  

When she wore the Holter monitor, did a cardiologist and/or EP interpret the results?  Generally, a sustained VT lasts at least 30 seconds and the heartrate is at, or above 100bpm.  The American Heart Assn. has a great synopsis of VT on their website.  A sustained ventricular arrythmia of 18 beats may, or may not warrant treatment.  Non-sustained VT is a ventricular tachycardia that lasts less than 30 seconds, and in a structurally normal heart is considered benign.

Did the doctor say why she should limit physical activity?  As sueinns suggested, Long QT could be the reason.  Is she taking medication?  Does she have routine followups?

Momto3

[sueinns]

Having two daughters myself, I can definitely relate to your worry.

Has your daughter been diagnosed with long QT syndrome?  This is a dangerous form of ventricular arrhythmia and can be genetic.  Beta blockers are sometimes prescribed and, in some cases an ICD (implanted defibrillator).   Some VA's are benign so it's best to know what type she has.  

Before imbarking on any kind of strenuous physical activity, she should get the go-ahead from her doctor.   This will also give you peace of mind.

[acjviolin]

Bless you- what a bittersweet dilemma.  But, I'm with you!(it's a mother thing!).  Please, however, have a full cardiac workup done once again to see what her condition presently is.  Will she agree to this??? Thinking of you,
Amy