Nonsustained Ventricular Tachycardia

[nervouslady]

Hello,
For the past 4 years or so I have experienced a heart fluttering sensation, which usually lasts no more than a few seconds.  I have never experienced dizziness or syncope with this arrhythmia.  I have also suffered from panic disorder for the last 5 years.  My heath history includes a small stroke at age 24 and open heart surgery to close a PFO immediately after the stroke.  The cause of the stroke is unknown, though their best guess is May Thurner Syndrome.

I have visited numerous cardiologists and GPs regarding these worrisome arrhythmias, and all told me they were likely due to anxiety and never suggested any further testing.  Last year my husband and I decided we wanted to try for a baby and I re-visited yet another cardiologist to determine if my heart was in decent shape to withstand a pregnancy.  I was told 'of course'.  I also met with 4 high risk OBs, who also told me 'go for it'...
So I did, and was successful.  7 weeks into my pregnancy, I had a frightening arrhythmia that lasted about 30 seconds, which was very long for me.  Went to the ER, and was told I was fine, and sent home.  4 days later I miscarried.

The arrhythmia was so disturbing that I again sought out the advice of a cardiologist before attempting to get pregnant again.  This cardiologist was very thorough, and ordered a 30 day event monitor and an echocardiogram.  Echo showed a normal heart, event monitor showed Nonsustained Ventricular Tachycardia - the longest run was about 8 beats.

Well, with everyone giving me the thumbs up on getting pregnant, there is a chance I may be pregnant now. We resumed trying because everyone said I'd be 'fine'.  I will not be able to test for another week.  

I met with an electrophysiologist yesterday who told me should I find out I'm pregnant he suggests terminating the pregnancy.  I am in shock.  What do I do?  Am I going to drop dead?  I asked the EP and he wouldn't say either way. I am only 34 years old.  I do not drink/smoke.  The EP told me that I could drop dead if I attempt pregnancy with NSVT, and ablation is not an option for pregnant patients.

I am planning on getting a second opinion at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, but in the meantime, I'd love to hear your advice on this.

Thank you,
Mary

[banglamom]

A lot of heart problems is learning to take one problem at a time.  That is biblical.  Don't worry about tomorrow, today has enough trouble of its own.  I had one time where I thought I might be pregnant and I was on medication known to be terrible for fetuses, especially in the first trimester.  On the other hand, not taking the meds was a go ahead and take over for MALARIA.  I stressed about it for a few days before I got the confirmation that I wasn't.  As much as I would have loved the baby, the timing would have been rotten.  If you ARE pregnant, get thee to a neonatologist/ high risk ob.  If you aren't pg, get to a cardiologist and likely an ob as well.  Planning ahead would be good, but if it is too late for that... take it a step at a time.

[nervouslady]

Thanks guys.  My husband and I have been trying for a baby for over a year now and it would break our hearts to get pregnant and then terminate the pregnancy.  We've had a lot of starts and stops - I have a history of stroke, I have had open heart surgery, now I have these really stupid runs of NSVT and PVCs and, man, I'm wondering if, at this point, pregnancy is a bad idea for me.  I was already going to have to take shots of blood thinner due to my stroke history.  And now who knows what for these arrhythmia.  I'm worried it would be too complicated and life threatening.  If they can make it happen, that would be great.
Last time I used the ovulation prediction sticks and everything I immediately became pregnant, first try.  This past time I did the same thing - ovulation sticks and all.  Of course, I was not aware of the NSVT and was told to go for it.  Now everyone is backpeddling.  Geez, this info would have been helpful *before* I tried to get pregnant, you know?  :-(  I'm losing faith in doctors more and more every day...

[banglamom]

If it does turn out that you are pregnant, get back to me.  I can offer lots more info on being pg with the heart problem.  Likely many others can to.

[banglamom]

Do not let the EP doc steer you towards a decision you would mourn.  Obviously, you know how to find a doctor.  Find a pro-life doctor.  There are many a high risk ob doctor skilled at taking people through difficult pregnancies with the ultimate goal of healthy baby and healthy mom at the center of their decision making.  I have lots of SVT and though it was not recommended, I did successfully have a second child.  She just turned 6 yesterday.  I have lots of heart problems now, but I have her to add a lot of joy to every day.  Before you have too much stress about the whole thing, get confirmation of your pregnancy.  That gives everyone a very important piece of information to work with.  It changes everything.  I hope you gets lots of answers and firm plan in front of you soon so that if you are pregnant, you can take time to enjoy the baby growing in you miracle.  It can be so fun connecting with your unborn child.  Falling in love with someone you only yet know by abdominal flutters.  God bless and good luck.

[nervouslady]

Thanks, I felt 'okay' after talking to cardiologist #1 that ordered all of the tests (but mildly worried) and after talking to the EP I feel like I'm going to drop dead at any moment.  I mean, maybe he's being honest, who knows, but holy cow it's just my heart and very lifeline that he's talking about!  Now I'm scared, hardly slept at all last night and don't know how, mentally, I'm going to handle the next bout of NSVT knowing that it's VT and not benign.  Yikes.  And of course the EP is not getting me in for further testing until sometime next week, so I get to wait and worry the entire time.  Good times.

Add in a possible pregnancy and I'm freaking out 'for two'... :-(

[ireneo]

Please do get another opinion. Unless the cardio can explain why brief NSVT would be a problem and require you to terminate the pregnancy, it might be best to hold off for a little bit. I do understand why an ablation during the early months of pregnancy wouldn't be good since they use a fluoroscope for a long period of time, depending on how difficult it is to find and ablate the problem spot. The doctor needs to be a better communicator, not just predict doom and gloom.