SVT Help

[Prism77]

Today, I had a run of SVT.  It felt like it lasted 5 or so beats and then I did a quick vagal maneuver.  It stopped and a normal beat returned for like 2-3 beats. Then I got 3-4 fast beats in a row. This happend one more time until I pretended like I was having a bowel movement.  The SVT stopped after that.  It was somewhat disconcerting.  I have had multiple echos, holters, blood tests, ekg's, and an event monitor.  
Questions:
1) Has anybody had this happen to them?
2) Does anybody have an idea what this is?

Any advice would be appreciated. Especially, comforting advice.

Thanks.

[irenek]

I had my first episode of SVT 2003.  I thought it was triggered by too much coffee and stress.  I gave up coffee and had another attack 8 months later.  At that time I just had a miscarriage and was under alot of stress.  I stayed on toprol 50mgs for 7months.  I could not walk up two steps without my heart pounding, so scarry.  I finally got enough courage to try and change my way of life.  I eat apsolutely clean, I try to eat organic, I have a one on one trainer who counsels me and I am now pregnant.  I still live day to day with a fear, since the pregnancy triggers the tachycardia all the time.  The one technique that has worked for me is breathing, inhale for 4, hold for 7 and release for 8.  This has actually gotten me through some episodes and it really is relaxing.  Reading your stories has been a real help.  My family and friends keep telling me its all in my head, and I know my nerves trigger it a lot. but I also know that I have to be m own Dr. too.  

[aussie mum]

Wow.... this sounds just like what happens when my svt starts. If i use my vagal maneuver when i get the first signs of it i can in most cases stop it turning into svt.

Yes they do suck but i guess life was never meant to be easy (LOL)

What (if any) other vagal maneuver has you tried ??

When your in svt how long does it last ??

:}

[Prism77]

Thank you all for your kind and thoughtful responses.

[anacyde]

1) Has anybody had this happen to them?

Yes.  I've had SVT for over a decade, and what you describe there is not uncommon for me when I have an episode.  Vagal maneuvers working is a GOOD THING!  Don't let this worry you, especially in light of your normal workup.

2) Does anybody have an idea what this is?

Yep, sounds like SVT ;)

I do know how worrisome it can be (heck, downright terrifying sometimes) but SVT is not considered a life-threatening arrhythmia.  Mostly, it is a nuisance.  For people who have brief episodes like you describe, it doesn't pose any health risk.  Episodes that break with vagal maneuvers like the ones you did are the friendliest kind to have :)  There are people here who have episodes much longer than that who are still not even treated with medication, so rest easy.

[rosetoes]

did you start your vag. manuever when the fast rate began or when you go through the missed/double beats, just before you begin the fast rate? Never tried to convert, but will, if and when the next episode happens.  

Anyone taking Beta Blockers and have noticed a decline of SVT or a change of how frequent you have an episode or if your heart rate isn't as fast?

[SillyHeart]

Oh ****.  I mean to say absolutely NOT dangerous.  So sorry.

[maggiemag]

Umm, I think you meant to say not dangerous! ;-)

[sb786]

Hi there
If you read my post (titled SVT QUESTION EED ADVICE PLEASE) you'll see that i experienced something similar too. How do you know it was an svt run?

[SillyHeart]

A brief run or two of SVT is absolutely dangerous.  Try not to fret about it.