RVOT-VT

[Liz4914]

I recently spent a week in CCU and was diagnosed with RVOT-VT (right ventricular outflow tract ventricular tachycardia).  I went in with palpitations that were unusual for me and they turned out to be long runs of nonsustained VT.  I was put on metoprolol.  My echo showed a structurally normal heart, although I have had no other tests and no MRI.  I am now waiting (for months) to get in to see a cardiologist for a consultation regarding possible ablation.  This was a very scary experience for me, I was under a LOT of stress at the time this occurred.  I have always been in excellent health and am reasonably fit.  I am doing OK on the metoprolol - my heart rate is usually 54 without medication - now it ranges from 40 to 50 and I feel OK.  The worst time for me is night-time - I get palpitations and a quivering feeling in my chest.  It is very difficult to get to sleep as I can only lie on my back or right side otherwise my heart races.  I am not sure what is going on.  Can I assume my condition is benign as my heart is apparently structurally normal?  Why am I getting all these other palpitations that I did not have before this episode.  Any reassurance would be greatly appreciated!!  

[Skier75]

I posted a forum on RVOT about a month ago.  I was diagnosed with it as well. I had multiple ultrasounds, EKG, halter, MRI, echo and my heart is structuraly sound. except the VT which happens randomly.  I am currently taking metoprolol 100mg a day.  It is making me tired and once in a while I have palpilations.  I've been an athlete all my life doing a lot if biking and ski racing.  I just recently returned from high altitude trip (12,000feet) and I didn't have any issues there with a HR of 170 for a small period of time. THe only issue was that I was super tired and didn't have the umph... to do anything, which I believe is metoprolol related.  Since I am very active in running, biking etc ... I am considering an ablation, but honestly I am a chicken to get through it.  I am wondering if anyone with RVOT ablation has done any extensive exercise after the procedure was done?  

[rbeans]

I'm still wondering how this happen to me?????????

Dr.s say the do not  really know. Something goes wrong with the electrical impulses. Why why why why ????????????????????????

I really would like an answer. I am not one who likes not having one.

[Brooke_38]

Hello..

Here is a link to an interesting look at RVOT-VT. See if this is helpful, if not let me know and I'll see what else I can dig up for you:)

I'm happy to hear that you feel less worried about this.


http://europace.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/full/5/3/221

[Liz4914]

Any idea what does cause RVOT-VT to begin all of a sunden?  Do they even know?
Thanks to you all - I am worrying much less now!

[rbeans]

Good for you and good luck!  I was under stress also when it happen to me. The Dr's tell me stress can not cause this but you never know. The mind is a very strong thing.

Try not to stress about the PVCs if wish I had a penny for everyone I have had in the past year. I still get them.

Don't worry while you wait I wish I didn’t.

Keep in touch. If you ever need us we are here!

[Liz4914]

Thank you rbeans for your encouraging words.  I'm glad your ablation went well and I hope it has solved the VT.  I have read all there is on RVOT on the internet and it does sound like a benign condition if the heart is structurally sound.  My doctor did not give me much medical information - I work in the field so I have some understanding and wanted to know more.  I have to wait several months to see the Cardiologist/EP specialist and I believe I will have to wait a year for the ablation, but now I have had your reassurances I can do that.  I even slept better last night, less palpitations (I seem to be getting a lot of PVC's etc - had them in the hospital and they weren't concerned about them, only that the metoprolol was blocking the VT).  I am going to get on with my life with more confidence now - continue my work-outs at the gym, skiing, etc. I think stress has been playing a big part in all of this - with all the economic problems, the market, etc - I was more stressed that I realized.  Thanks to all of you - I will stay in touch - you are a blessing.

[rbeans]

Hi, I also have ROVT. Just had an ablation for in 2 weeks ago.  My first symptom was in late July and it took till Nov. to get me to the EP lab.  

You are not alone! Like you I stumbled upon this forum the same way.  I have made lots of great friends. I went to my ablation thinking of all the encouraging words I received on the site. Don't think I would have made it with out them.

They wanted me to have an MRI also but I am claustrophobic. So never had it done.

I am on metoprolol and Verapamil (calcium channel blocker). After my ablation in the hospital that night I had 4 beats of VT. My magnesium and potassium were low so they think that did it. The dr wants me to continue with my meds for now. They really do not bother me. Get out of breath more easier when I am running around. They made me tired the first few weeks but that passes.

Like Brooke_38 said if you heart is structurally sound it is a benign diagnosis. I had the stress and echo tests also and they told me not to worry as long as my heart is structurally sound.

It is hard not to worry about VT. It is very scary especially if you read to much on the net. My Dr. told me knowledge is a wonderful thing except for my in this case. He words “stay off the internet”

I think about it everyday but it really is something that we should not let take our lives away from us. Live on day at time. Listen to your Dr's and try and take your mind off of it.

We are always here.

Rbeans

[wavedancer]

I know what you mean.  When I feel my pulse into my belly, it's WILD during an attack... it's like it's going to burst - which my buddy who is a vascular surgeon just told me about a guy who had one burst and I think that tonight that's why my attack was so bad - it started thumping when I thought about his conversation with me this week... and how he saved his life but the guy now has a pacemaker/defib.

I am realizing that I definitely have to keep my head about me - as difficult as it is to do this.  The nights are so hard for me after the kids go to bed.  I sit here alone 'thinking' about everything going on.  I have to do more 'planning' for the wonderful life that I am going to continue living!

The other 'heart' symptoms like chest pain, back pain, etc seem to also be symptoms of depression, which quite frankly, I NEVER thought that I would even consider myself having as I am full of smiles most all of the time, but as my sister in law who is a physician told me tonight - it's not necessarily your consious state of mind - it's how your body feels about all of the stress that you are subjected to - and I have a LOT on my plate right now like most Americans.

I am SO glad to have found you all on here.  I really didn't want to go to sleep... I was too 'nervous'.  My chills made me shake so hard that I put a winter coat on, a space heater set at 80 and I am STILL freezing!  did I tell you that I live in South Florida???  that's other weird symptom that I have... I shake so hard that my lower back hurts for hours after... it's ridiculous.  I feel so silly.

Good night all!

[Liz4914]

Thank you all so very much - I never thought I would post on a board like this either!!  Although I see it is a very supportive and much-needed board!  Kind of turns your life upside down and I feel very let down by doctors who do not give out much information. I am now about to go to bed feeling (I hope) less worried thanks to you all.  

PS:  wavedancer - I have felt my pulse into my belly too - I think it is from the abdominal aorta which is a very large artery so it stands to reason that at night, when we are quiet, we will feel this artery pulsating.  

[wavedancer]

I was just diagnosed with syncopy and my heart stops when it happens.  I have been compensating to avoid the episodes from what I have been researching for years.  My problem is very 'nothing' in comparison to yours, however, my episodes are almost entirely in the evening - I can even wake up with my chest hurting in the middle of sleep.  I have had the halter moniter, stress test, ekg's, echos and haven't found anything else, THANK GOD.  However, I just starting having panic attacks - feeling my pulse all the way into my belly which FREAKED me out... never had a panic attack until I woke up from the tilt table being told that I really needed a pacemaker.  It seemed like something we should have discussed when I was in a more 'normal' state of mind.
I will be thinking of you both.  Heart/pulmonary concerns are so scary in my opinion!  I am 36 and am very fit... never would have thought that I would be posting on a board like this!  :-)
Best wishes,
el

[Brooke_38]

I'm glad that you're feeling better...It is reassuring when you know that you're not alone. I have not had an MRI. When I went for my procedure last Aug, it was my 5th trip to the EP lab and my 4th ablation! The other 3 were for SVT. As for BB's, I cannot tolerate them because of my asthma.

I take Flecainaide, Diltiazem and Asp. for Afib. Still battling this demon;{ I had gone in for a pacemaker implant in Aug to help with the afib and it was then my EP discovered the VT. I have not had anymore VT since then.

During the procedure, you are given a considerable amount of sedation. Many times it's a mix of versed&fentanyl. Some people remember nothing where others remember everything. If they are able to pinpoint you problem it could be quick. Dancinheart06 was in and out in 1 hour! I think she is the record holder here for the quickest procedure.

Let us know how you make out with the holter. During the meantime...we're here if you want to chat:)

[Liz4914]

Thank you very much for your comment - I feel better already - not so alone!  I think the idea was that I ought to have an MRI just to confirm everything is OK - did you have one before you had the ablation?  However, apparently cardiac MRI's are not that easy to come by where I live. Did you stay on a beta-blocker until your ablation?  I have always had one or two palpitations but nothing like what I have been getting ever since I had the VT - and it is really bad at night for some reason.  I am going to have a Holter monitor next week just to check it out.  I have no other heart disease at all and the echo was completely normal so I guess I should just relax a bit - that might help a lot!  I am new to the board - stumbled upon it while looking for information on RVOT-VT.  How was the ablation as far as the procedure - were you awake all the while? Thanks again so much!  

[dancinheart06]

Hi There,

Im sorry to hear that you are having some trouble..I also had the same thing happen to me and I completely understand how you feel....Like Brooke_38 said, its very good news that your heart is structually normal and there is no other problems then it is benign :)

I have had two ablations done for RVOT VT... I havent had any trouble with VT since.
hang in there, i know the waiting is the worst!!!  Please keep us informed...

[Brooke_38]

Hello...

Sorry to hear about your recent hospitalization. I just had an ablation for RVOT-VT Aug 1st.

I can completely relate to to your experience. You mentioned that you had an echocardiogram  that  ruled out any structural problems. This is very good news.

If you have no other heart related problems, you can consider this diagnosis benign. It is hard to say why you are getting all these palps. Have you ever had any palpitations before this?

I know that it must be difficult waiting for you appt. While you're playing the waiting game...the game that alot of us here are very good at... if there is anything we can do for you here... answer further questions...just chat... please don't hesitate to ask:)

There are a few other members here, that I know of, who have been through the very same thing. I'm sure they will jump right in:)