V-Tach

[dwright51]

I was recently diagnosed with a running v-tach.  I had been to the emergency room 3 times within two weeks because of my symptoms, which are dizzyness, blurred vision, fainting or passing out, sometimes I have tingling in my face or hands.  I was admitted to the hospital the first time, they did some tests.  Stress test, CT scan, some blood work.  They said I was fine.  Four days later I went back for the same symptoms and they were going to send me home but I passed out a couple times in the ER.  So they kept me and put on a holter monitor.  They did some more tests, ultrasound, MRI. MRA, ect.  They were going to send me home right after the MRI, which was the very next day, without getting my tests results back.  I told them I would rather for my tests results before I leave and if they didn't find anything, I would go home.  They decided to keep me.  The next day the doctor told me that they found a running v-tach and they wanted to send me to another hospital for more tests.  I was taken to Los Angeles and they told me I would be there for about four days.  There they did a table tilt test.  During that test, I became very dizzy and my blood pressure went down to 80/46.  They kept monitoring me very closely.  After that test, they came to  my room and said that I was fine and I could go home.  If I have any more symptoms I should just rest, they said I could prevent myself from having a heart attack if I just rested when these symptoms came on.  They also told me that I could return to work that very same day.  I have had nurses tell me that this is very serious and the doctors are saying that it is not.  My question is, well, how serious is this, and what if this happens again?  Why is it that they cannot find anything on the other tests?  I am still having symptoms and I am doing what he said, I am relaxing as much as I can.  I am scheduled to see my doctor on the 15th, and they said they would refer me to see a cardiologist.  Is there anything I should tell him?  What do you think he is going to do, it seems as if the tests are not telling them anything.  Please tell me if there is anything I should know or should tell my doctor.  Thanks!

Diana

[BionicBabe]

I'm not sure what you mean by "running v-tac." What you need to find out is if your vtach was sustained or nonsustained. Nonsustained v-tach can be harmless, however the fact that you are passing out suggests there is some problem. Sustained V-tach is pretty serious and can be a precursor to VFib, which can lead to sudden cardiac arrest. I am thinking that is what the doctors told you to be concerned about, cardiac arrest, which is not the same thing as a heart attack. A heart attack is caused by artery blockage or rupture. It sounds like you have received a lot of mixed messages. My advice is to get in to see an electrophysiologist (cardiologist who specializes in heart rhythms) as soon as possible. In my experience, the ER doctor's job is to diagnose the immediate problem and send you on your way. They aren't there to figure out your whole problem, just to stabilize you until you can see the appropriate professional. Make you sure when you see any doctors you make them aware that you have passed out repeatedly and have had episodes of V-Tach. Those two things together are a big red flag for doctors. By the way, there is good treatment available for arrhythmias.

[twinbee]

I agree with RNRita. I live in New Jersey, however my EP is in Phila. and when my a-fib and flutter turned into v-tach on three seperate occasions (cardio net monitor recorded the events) I was told this was serious and had to go to the hospital immediately.

[RNRita]

Hi, Diana.

I know that if you lived here, you would be seen by a cardiologist already.  (I live in PA.)  You don't mention your age either.  This is not something that is "fine" even if they don't think it will kill you.  You can't just be passing out.  Someone has to listen, test, diagnose and, hopefully, treat.  Tell your DR to refer you to a cardio/EP as soon as possible.  Let us know what happens.

[dwright51]

Thank you for your comments.  I will take all of this into consideration.  I have regular appointment today to see my doctor, I don't know when I will see a cardiologist.  Thanks again.  

[Bromley]

Hi. I have been to the emergency room in a Los Angeles hospital before, and I know what it is like. These places have a lot to handle, so it will probably be a couple of days before all of the facts come to light and someone actually tells you what has happened. Keep in mind that these heart rhythm things are complicated and it is no trivial matter to explain them to people, especially when they (the doctors and nurses) are in the middle of a crisis. When you get your follow up "talking to", what is said may still sound contradictory, because the best of these guys are always in a crisis.

I would neither discount nor worry excessively about what you are told.  I would not allow any contradiction in reasoning or reasoning and attitudes to set you back or confuse you. Stick with it and ask your questions: you live in a day and age and in a country where medicine has answers for you.

Good luck and god bless.

[julesluvsdrew]

Hello there,Ive had V tach for the past 8 years and have seen lots of cardios and one electrothesiologist.Ive even had an ablation for it.Never once did they say I could ever have a heart attach from it..Did you have an echocardiogram to see if your hearts structurally normal?If it is and you have no blockage I dont know why they mentioned heart attack??I noticed when I mentioned V tach to the nurses where I work they acted like it was a death sentence but none of my doctors were overly cautious and said i had a healthy heart and structurally normal.So if you have both of thoses,i think you will be good.Just make sure you go see a cardiologist as soon as possible so you can have tests done,so you can have peace of mind as well:)

[dwright51]

Thank you all for your comments.  I have a doctor's appointment tomorrow and they are referring me to see a heart doctor.  I don't know how long the v-tach ran, they didn't tell me and I didn't know to ask.  Firs they told me not to drive, then they told me it's ok to drive.  The RN's told me this was serious and the doctor that sent me home said that I would be ok, and that I could actually prevent myself from having a heart attack if I just relaxed when my symptoms came on, and if I didn't, I could have a huge heart attack.  So, I am little scared and I do have an HMO, so that worries me too.  Again, thank you for your comments, I will keep in touch and let you know what happens.  

Diana

[kim8400]

I can relate to your concerns. I was recently put in the hospital when I went to the ER complaining of dizziness and chest pain. I also have non-sustained v-tach, which is where the v-tach lasts for less than 30 seconds. I have had this for about 3 years now and I am constantly in a state of panic. Like you, they also did all the tests and said I was fine and not to worry, but I can't help myself, I'm afraid that I'm gonna pass out and not wake up!! I hope that you can get some answers, but remember that we are here for you!! How long did your v-tach last? Mine usually run for between 5 and 12 beats, but thats enough to scare the heck outta me!!

[nicolette36]

sorry hun,i dont really have any advise regarding your symptoms but it sounds to me like you should be resting and NOT going to work!what kind of work do you do?i guess if its fairly non active then you would be ok.......

[Momto3]

Hi Diana,

Do you know if you are scheduled to see an electrophysiologist?  He/she specializes in the heart's electrical system.  Sounds like what you have may be frustrating, and life-altering, but not life-threatening.  Hopefully, the cardiologist will be able to help you develop ways to avoid fainting.  It seems that you have been through a lot of tests, but you don't really have a definitive diagnosis.  Did they mention POTS?  or Dysautonomia?

Take care and please let us know what your doctor says.

connie