Short run of tachycardia after ablation

[AdamReynolds]

Hello, I am 24 and had an ablation for what was diagnosed to be avnrt last Wednesday. I had around 15 spots burned and have been feeling better ever since, however my heart rate is still jumping to almost 120 with little exertion(stairs or after the shower) is this normal? Also, after going out with some friends last night for the first time ( I had 3 drinks) I woke up at 5:30 this morning with what seemed to be the same tachycardia as before. It only lasted for a few seconds and the would go back down and this only lasted for a few minutes altogether before I got up used the restroom and went back to sleep. Is this normal only 5 days out of the operation or does this mean that my ablation was ineffective and I still have the avnrt. Thanks and this blog has already been helping me quite a bit post procedure.

Adam

[littlegreenman1]

I had a generic SVT that was exascerbated while running. I started training @ +14 days (ablation). The first runs were weak and slow. It took +30 days to get back into a decent running rhythm. I had "that feeling" of SVT episodes (flutters, skips) for a few months after ablation, but none ever "took."

I ran the St. Jude Memphis Marathon @ +3 months and training for that was "normal." At +18 months, I'm training for my 3rd marathon since albation and have never been stronger.

Bottom line - wait for your EP to release you for unlimited physical activity and work HARD.

[MichelleP_3811]

My doctor told me to wait 5 days but I really couldn't get up to full strength for about 3 months, I did more of a jog than a full out run.  But I also had a lot of pvcs/pacs afterwards so I think that added to my troubles.  So you should be fine to exercise but use your judgement on how it makes you feel and do take it slow.  I think you would be fine no matter how hard you worked out but it might make you feel worse if you push yourself too hard.  And drinking will definitely raise your already a bit high heart rate.  Alcohol dehydrates us and our bodies compensate by raising the heart rate so you will likely feel it more until your heart has had some time to settle down.  That said, I don't think any of it will damage you, just make you feel worse.  Take care.

[AdamReynolds]

Michelle,

Thanks for your response, it is kind of Ironic, I just sent you a message as I saw you answered most all posts. Thanks for the update and it does make me feel better. I think I should just stay away from the alcohol for a good while and let my body do its thing. Hope to be feeling better soon.

Also, are you able to exercise now as normal? I am really anxious to get back to running, but dont know if a week after the ablation is enough time and was thinking more like 3-4 weeks before i begin jogging again.
What do you think?

Thanks

[MichelleP_3811]

Only a week out from the ablation you are bound to have some odd things happen.  I had a weird run of something about a week out myself as well as some strange pings and pangs and I only had about 5 burns so you are doing fine.  And yes, your heart will take a little time to calm down.  It has been through a lot with the ablation and the svt in general so give it a good 3 months to start to heal and at least 6 months for a full heal.  Take care and keep us posted on how you are doing.