I was diagnosed with PSVT when I went into the ER at the begining of May with a heart rate between 180 and 205. The episode had been going on for 3+ hours before I went in, although in the past they have lasted for less than a minute.
5 years ago I chose to take myself off of beta agonists (I am an asthmatic), about a week and a half before my doctor sent me to a pediatric cardiologist. My resting heart rate at that time was in the 130's. The cardiologist did an echocardiogram, 24 hour heart monitor, and a king of hearts 30 day monitor. He told my parents that the tests came back normal, but the ER doctor told me that the notes in my file indicated that the doctor suspected PSVT at that time.
Both the ER doctor and my primary care said that I could do martial arts, but that it has to be a low cardio, non belted system.
My PSVT is triggered by stress, medium to high cardio workouts, and heat (I found that out yesterday when my resting heart rate was 112).
I had been trying to convince a good friend of the family that is a black belt to start teaching, and he has agreed to do so since my diagnosis. We both want to keep me safe, so I just want some ideas to discuss with my doctor.
Martial arts is something I really love, and since I had to give up my dream of being a police officer, I really don't want to sacrifice anything else to PSVT.
Thanks for any suggestions you can give me,
Poodlegirl2004
I get it every time I lift something heavy for 30+ seconds. My heart pauses for a long time, then thumps and spits out 10 beats at 200bpm, then long pause, then 10 at 200bpm etc. Doc says it's ok and to just stop what I'm doing if it starts up but I had 2 episodes where that pattern deteriorated into 5 minute sessions of 300bpm tachy (not sure what it was but no VT was inducible on the EP study) and the thought of getting it again is terrifying.
Do you get it every time? Has your doctor told you it's unsafe to exercise?
I have exercize induced tachycardia and it's horrible. I can't do anything anymore. So good luck with that.
You could ask for a 30 day portible monitor and ask about getting an ablation (which didn't work for me unfortunately)
How long does your PAT last when you have it?
Seems odd a doctor would recommend quitting a cardio-healthy activity - unless there's way more stress than enjoyment in this activity.