SVT (palps) + GI (throat stiffness, acid reflux)?

[yvettesmithy]

Hello. I was recently diagnosed with SVT after an ER visit that resulted in multiple injections of adenosine; I've since had palpitations daily. A few months before the SVT began, I noticed a severe worsening of acid reflux: instead of one omeprazole once or twice a week, I needed to take it every other day. Since the SVT was diagnosed, I've had to begin taking omeprazole daily (usually shortly before dinner). Also, sometimes when the palpitations occur, I also feel a distinct stiffness in my throat--not a swelling in which my breathing is obstructed, but a stiffness that lasts for an hour or longer. My question is this: are there any connections possible between SVT and stomach issues? The ER docs keep telling me that that's "not heard of," but, considering the location of the vagus nerve, it seems possible to me. Moreover, I have a history of GI problems: in 2003, I had a hiatal hernia repaired through a nissen fundiplication, and I then went off all acid reducers; I'm wondering, given the sharp recurrence of acid reflux and the newly found SVT, if there could be any relationship between the two. My palpitations, 90% of the time, occur just before, during, or after drinking something hot or eating. Additionally, a couple times a week, I wake up in the morning with a headache that persists until I go to bed at night; the pain seems concentrated towards the back of my head. Again, the ER docs are dismissive of any symptom other than palpitations; I've been told that the doctors "don't know" what those symptoms mean, and they then send me home without so much as a chest x-ray.

I've had an echocardiogram that came back with "very good" results; I'm seeing an electrophysiologist very soon. Too, I'm having an EGD soon, to try to investigate the GI symptoms. In the meantime, though, is anyone aware of any connection between SVT and GI issues? Thank you very much.

[gslice]

How many mg in size are your Zantac tablets?  Ours here are 150mg.

Has a cardiologist ever prescribed beta blockers for treating symptoms in addition to the zantac?

[bigkev414]

Hi - after over 15 years of SVT's, and GERD with numerous hospital visits, examinations, tests, cardiologists and GP opinions I can categorically sure you that there is a direct connection between acid reflux, stomach and gastro intestinal problems and SVT's. This is widely supported by cardiologists but there are some who stubbornly insist that there isn't.
The last cardiologist I saw, 3 weeks go is highly rated and AGREES 100 PERCENT.
When you have and event of SVT, ever tried gulping down a gassy drink - preferably sweet and burped? That often reverts it.
I take ZANTAC EFFERVESCENT 1/2 tablet a day for reflux - more if uncomfortable and it works instantly. Prilosec made me worse. Binned it!
I also carry  bottle of GAVISCON DUAL ACTION antacid and have a gulp when I fee uncomfortable, and before bed.
I don't know where you are, but I'm in Australia and the stuff I take is probably called the same if you are in US or UK.
Try this things - please!!!!
Our doctors are 1st world and very well credentialed if in private practice which mine are.
to quote my cardiologist - your stomach controls EVERYTHING!! ER doctors unanimously AGREE> STOMACH BAD - SVT AND AF OFTEN RESULT.
best wishes.

[tom_h]

Regarding your taking of omeprazole (Prilosec).  Unless you've been told otherwise by a physician, this drug is made to be taken as a 2 week regime.  The directions state that it should be taken in the morning before taking any food.  When taken according to the instructions, I found it to be extremely effective in healing an ulcer created by long term daily ingestion of a baby aspirin.

The post above describes the mechanism behind AVNRT.  Odds are in your favor, especially if your female that you may indeed have AVNRT.  The next most common form of SVT is AVRT (atrioventricular reciprocating tachycardia.  Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome is one condition commonly associated with AVRT.

Occasional SVT events are a pain to deal with, and in your case may require a trip to the ER.  But they're generally benign in nature and your heart is unaffected by them.  Chronic SVT events are another matter, and can lead to problems, especially if you are an older person.  This was the prime reason I had my near lifelong SVT addressed.  My events were usually easily managed without hospitalization.

I think you're taking the correct path in dealing with your SVT, but I'd check again regarding your dose of omeprazole.

[MichelleP_3811]

the connection has more to do with the ectopic beat connection triggering the svt episode.  Svts that are caused by extra muscle tissue happen when something disrupts the heart signal long enough for the signal to complete the circuit of the extra muscle fiber.  The way it was explained to me with my avnrt is that I have extra tissue connected to the avnode.  The signal has a normal way that it gets in called the fast pathway but it also has this other pathway a slow path way.  When the heart is beating normal everything is fine because the signal coming down the slow pathway never has time to reach the avnode.  However in the case of an ectopic beat the extra beat causes a pause in the heart beat long enough that the signal on the slow pathway reaches the center of the avnode and then comes back out the fast pathway creating a loop of a very fast beat until something disrupts it again.  This could be another ectopic beat or vasal vagal maneuvers like bearing down and holding your breath while straining to go to the bathroom or drinking a cold glass of water or the adenosine.  If you are able to learn how to stop it on your own you really need not go to the er ever again because this isn't a sign of heart disease.  it really is just that the heart was born with a little extra heart muscle tissue.  But the fact that ectopics can flare up with issues of the stomach like acid reflux then yes, your stomach issues are a contributor because of the ectopic beats it produces.  Clear up the acid reflux and you will clear up some of your ectopic beats but you likely won't clear up all of them and you will not totally rid yourself of svt.  You will always be vulnerable to both until you have your svt corrected through ablation.  

I had rare episodes when i was younger that got worse as I aged though at the time I did not know what I had or that there were 2 different issues going on but chances are as you age the issue may become worse.  If you correct the svt you may help also rid yourself of the ectopic beats but for some they never go away.  I still get them though not as bad as I was towards the end so it may be worth considering having the svt ablated and seeing if it helps rid you of the pacs or pvcs that you are getting.  But in the states it is an expensive procedure so if you wanted to try and clear up the acid refulx first I can understand that but just be aware the svt will always have a chance to flare up and the only real cure for it is an ablation. But be prepared to possibly continue to have the ectopic beats even after the svt has been corrected.  I was not informed of them and it took me a bit by surprise.  But in general they are harmless and will not wear out the heart like repeated or prolonged svt can in the long run.  Take care.