Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
WOW.... it's been a while since i've been on this site, how things have changed !! Anyway i was just wondering what is the difference between SVT & VT (i started having PSVT/PALPS ect after the birth if my third child)

Also my PSVT seems to be trigged by bending or sometimes ever putting too much pressure on my stomach. Does any body find this as well ?? Or do you think it could be more to do with the vagus nerve (i think that's what it's called ??)

I would like too talk to others who have PSVT/SVT. I




35 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
1173500 tn?1267051400
I have SVT as well. Since my case is very minor, I do not know a ton about the specifics. But if you need to talk to someone, I know how you feel. My inbox is always open ;) if you want to talk, just shoot me a message.

Best of luck.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Hi
Yes, I have SVTs and they nearly always happen when I bend or twist, especially if I have recently eaten something,
I finally found a heavily built male  GP (I am a big bloke) who said it was a 'Vagus Reaction' and everything is controlled from our solar plexus region.
That's a simplified version, but that's what it amounted to.  He gets SVTs himself and agreed that his often start when twisting or bending. You can imagine my relief in finding one who actually knows what it's like!
He has moved away of course and I have had to go back into the 'looking for a new doctor phase' and so far only get the same speech: (I bet you know it)
I QUOTE:The Svt's are not life threatening but are life affecting.If they go on for long your  risk of stroke or heart attack is increased. Take the beta blockers and consider the ablation. That's all we can suggest and if you're not prepared to follow my advice you just have to put up with it. If you get into trouble go to the emergency centre.UNQUOTE
Whenever I have asked (at least 3 GP's and 2 cardiologists) about the bending / twisting triggers they tell me it's just coincidence. They won't listen - they just want to tell me! They have all 'POO Paa'd' the VAGUS NERVE theory. They think I'm neurotic.
I went to an elderly GP for many years and when he retired he told me that I would never find out why I have SVT's and regardless of what anybody told me I have to accept it and manage the best I can. Take the tablets, don't bend over with a full stomach and above all DON'T WORRY about things all the time. I do know that when I go through extended periods of stress I get an upset stomach and the SVT's are more frequent.
sorry to be so long winded and unhelpful Best wishes, Kev
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
That does help, and makes sense.  I do hope their success rate improves over time, and with more advanced technology.  I think I'm with you... I would wait until it's severe and/or an everyday occurrence.
Helpful - 0
183222 tn?1375334552
Wow this has been a great discussion !!

I would be interested to know how many of us are trigged (SVT) by bending or twisting. Does anybody know if there is any research being done in-regards to this and it's relation to GERD or VAGUS NERVE ??

As to me having an ablation, well at the moment I'm happy (as happy as one can be with svt LOL) not to have it done but i think if i was having them every day then maybe....

Thanks for all your comment & HAPPY EASTER TO ALL !!
Helpful - 0
280299 tn?1216855676
Hi,

I have herd both positive and negative results after having an ablation. I think everyone is different in some way so its hard to predict what was successful for one may not be successful for another.

I will only seriously think of getting one done when I am much older (if still having SVT)  or my symptoms are much more severe...

Hope this helps.... Paul
Helpful - 0
280299 tn?1216855676
Hi,

Thanks for the comments...

No, I'm not on any medication. I don't even like taking anything when I have a headache. I just don't like putting chemicals in me if I can get away with it.

Wow, your symptoms sound identical to mine. I might try some of the things you try to see if it helps. I have not had any caffeine for about 9 months now as I'm thinking this may trigger my SVT. So far I just get a couple of quick beats that last a beat or 2 and it settles down. But, I haven't had a full blown episode since....

When I went for the ablation consultation I think they seemed very "pushy" for me to have one done even though I only get 1 or 2 episodes a year. I decided to wait and see if my SVT continues or get worse before having one done. If anything I think the procedure and success rate will only get better over time.

Thanks, Paul
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I have a friend that had an ablation done about 4 months ago.  She had a period of increased symptoms for a couple of weeks, then about 8-9 weeks of no symptoms, now her symptoms have come back... not worse, but the same as before.  They want to go in to try to do another ablation, and she's considering just not doing it again.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I had my ablation about 9 weeks ago.  It's probably still too early to tell but have not had any symptoms of SVT since.  I was given a 95% chance for a cure.  Did have a period of increased PVC's but was told to expect that.  My heart has settled down a lot the past week.  Fingers are crossed that it will stay that way.

I have the lump in the throat feeling whenever I start anything physical such as running.  I had thought it was only a symptom of SVT but know it also occurs with PVC's as well. The symptoms of arrhythmia are numerous and most definitely can be strange.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Hi - I'm also an Aussie (not a mum, an old bloke) and I have had SVTs like you for about 15 years. Nearly always start when I bend or twist or following a meal. Doctors say 'mmmmm'. Mine last from a few minutes to a couple of hours when I went to the emergency dept and had the injection to revert it, and boy, what a feeling that is. My heart felt like it was going to thump its way out of my chest, and immediately the rhythem reverted and my rete dropped to about 110 and then after a while to 80, same as yours. They usually last about 45 minutes and I try different things to revert them such as holding my breath and pushing my stomach out as hard as I can, gulping down fizzy drink as fast as I can so I burp a lot (that often works) gulping a big slug of brandy or whisky to make myself gasp, and coughing a lot as hard as I can. Doesnt always work but often does. As soon as it starts I take 5mg valium and the same of Tenormin (atenalol) which definately take affect to help it calm down sooner. I feel very dizzy and 'staggery' when it first starts up, and get a bit 'puffy' and tight in the chest with some jaw discomfort, but have never passed out or really felt like I was going to. Are you taking anything? This has restricted my life because I am scared I'll have an attck while I am out on my own, or away (like you) fishing, and have tended not to do things. I'm 64 so you probably have a few years on me yet. Go away and if you don't have an attack you will mentally relax and be OK in the future. Talk to the doc about some atenalol or similar and about my suggested exercises. About the ablation - I have been advised by a number of people (nurses mainly) NOT TO HAVE IT DONE.
Good luck and catch a nice trout for me!
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I don't have a diagnosis yet, but that is what I feel exactly.  It is not until afterward that I feel my heart pound; initially it just feels erratic and fluttery.  I think I'm with you on the "weird" feeling too - it's hard to describe the sensation.  I also get a lump in my throat right after that, right when my heart starts pounding, and often get a tingly numb sensation in my lower jaw/gums.  Not sure if that's related or just due to stressing out over the situation.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Thank you for the information.  There was only 1 occurrence where I have seen that my hr went that low, most of the time it just goes high and that's it.  It has been down to the high 40's but I didn't experience symptoms then and I was resting.  I did think the 37 was quite low, and the fact that it spiked back up to 211 in the same few minutes was even more unnerving.  That one made me feel pretty bad - really lightheaded and tired afterward.  I know I should just go to the dr, but since I pay for my insurance myself I'm worried about them jumping up my rates once I start getting tests done.  Even if they don't find anything, they would still raise my rates.  So I guess if the rates go up, they go up, but it would be a shame if there turns out to be nothing wrong.

I keep seeing all these posts from people that have problems but the dr's can't find anything, and I'm afraid that would happen to me.  Anyway I think I'm going to keep documenting my rates (I can upload them to my cp from my hr monitor/watch) so I have something on paper to give to the doc.  Maybe that would lessen the chance of getting the "no you're just crazy and have anxiety" speech and not being taken seriously from the get-go.  That happened to my uncle, and 3 yrs later he's on meds and has a defrib implanted; they didn't believe him b/c he was young and in good shape.

Anyway sorry for the long post; thanks again for the input.  Good luck to you.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
sueinns, I'm not familiar with your story.  Did ablation cure your SVT?
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Yep.  That's the way it was for me pre-ablation.  It felt very erratic and I could actually see my heart jumping around under my shirt.  It was hard to get a pulse. I never really knew how fast it got (thought around 180 but never sure).  After my EP study, the doctor told me it was very very fast.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Yep.  That's the way it was for me pre-ablation.  It felt very erratic and I could actually see my heart jumping around under my shirt.  It was hard to get a pulse. I never really knew how fast it got (thought around 180 but never sure).  After my EP study, the doctor told me it was very very fast.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Does anyone else's SVT feel extremely irregular, fluttery and "weird" when it first starts?  When I go into SVT, it doesn't feel like a racing heart in the beginning.  It feels like it's beating all weird and funny and irregularly.  I can't even describe it.  After awhile it sort of takes off and feels like a regular beat but not in the beginning.

It's really scary when it feels so weird.  Anyone else?
Helpful - 0
280299 tn?1216855676
Hi,

I go to the ER when having an episode now because its usually 220-240 bpm which is very high. I feel lightheaded and short of breath. My cardiologist has told me the fast rate is probably due to the fact that I have been running for about 10 years (32k/week) and my heart is very strong.

I was told that if I have an episode for more than 15 minutes that I should go to ER where I usually get a shot of Adenosine (intravenously). This drug basically forces the "spark plugs" of the heart to restart itself. I get a weired sensation (hard to explain... anyone else had Adenosine?) for a few minutes and then I can feel my heart go from 240 down to about 110 immediately and then finally lower to about 80 after about 10 minutes.

I usually know after a few minutes if its going to last longer than 15 min... I've been having these for about 15 years and can just tell...

The only thing I'm a little worried about is if I ever had an episode when camping. I live in Ontario, Canada and we go 4 hours north where hospitals can be more than an hour away. My cardiologist told me if it didn't revert by itself I could pass out.

To: by ck1...

My episode have almost always started from either bending over or if I run forward fast. I'm not sure why that is, My cardiologist wasn't sure why that was also.

Thanks, Paul
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
ck1
Hello!  Sorry to hear about your experience.  I can't say that I know exactly what it is, I can only speculate. It sounds like an arrythmia of some sort because you're heart rate shouldn't spike so high while just sitting still, or digesting food.  37 sounds pretty low!  Mine only goes to 48 if I'm *really* relaxing, it probably goes lower when I'm asleep.  I suggest going back to the doctor and getting an event monitor so you can log the events and they can figure it out.  Good luck!  Perhaps someone else will have more to comment.  
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Hi I just wanted to see if anyone could tell me from their experiences if this sounds familiar.  Like aussie mum, my biggest symptoms started after a bad flu, about a month or so ago - I went to the ER when I woke up in early am w/bad chest pain and my hr was near 160.  I think I had symptoms before but didn't pay attention.  They said it was due to bronchitis but my chest pain wasn't w/breathing it was just there.  Unfortunately by the time they gave me the ekg I wasn't having symptoms anymore.  I'm only 28 and pretty healthy, don't smoke, not overweight, etc.

Haven't had chest pain again, but now I've been feeling dizzy and feeling like heart is racing and pounding sometimes at night and sometimes during the day, but during the day it only happens after I eat, which is a big problem b/c I eat a lot of small meals throughout the day - I can't make myself sit down to eat a big meal less often.  Got a heart rate monitor that is made for monitoring exercise, but have been wearing it throughout the day. Pulse gets up to 180 or low 200s for a few seconds then drops down.  Today it went down to 37 then shot up to 211 then went back to normal.  I get lightheaded, but am okay after a while.  These are resting heart rates; don't seem to have a problem exercising but I don't do anything strenuous.

I'm not looking for a diagnosis, just maybe an idea of whether anyone that has been diagnosed had any of these symptoms?  Arrhythmias, MVP, MVR run in my family.  However, I thought w/arrhythmias the hr is only high or low so I'm confused, maybe this is something entirely heart related?  I don't want to go to the dr and sound like an anxiety case.  I have normal stress in my life, but nothing over the top.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
ck1
Hello!  Thanks for the explanation.  It makes sense.  Don't know why my doctor can't just say that.  I have a terrible cardiologist and have switched to another one in the same office, but same deal.  

I was prescribed Toprol 25/mg but I haven't taken it yet.  I'd rather stay off drugs since my husband I are trying to get pregnant.  Since I just found out I have it and have broken through the "what the heck is wrong with me" stage, I opted to see what life is like living with it before taking meds. I'm also still connected to my event monitor (which I've basically been told I need a 12 lead - EKG - when it happens, but keep wearing the 2 lead anyway - Blah! – this is month 2 with that thing). Not sure how long I'll go without medication, seems I have a lot of "not feeling well" episodes, and the PSVTs have increased since it began on January 15th.  I'd ultimately like to get the ablation to end this and am thinking the next step is to call for an EP (electrophysicist) referral so they can review and discuss the options.  The problem is they’re not 100% sure it's the kind that can be fixed with an ablation, or the kind that originates from the SA node, which ultimately couldn't be "burned" because then I'd need a pacemaker.

Strange how this sort of came out of nowhere!  Really crazy when you think about it... I'm sure you know

Sorry to hear the process for you has been frustrating, just with receiving the care you require.  No doubt that compounds the issue.  Definitely the fact that I don’t have a good doctor hasn’t helped, but having a good family has and knowing I’m not alone :)
Helpful - 0
431362 tn?1211651181
hi

I get chest pain when i'm having an attack, my heart really hurts.  I've been told this is to be expected.  Your heart is a muscle and is not used to working so fast, much like my legs would ache if I were a runner - they are not used to it!

I know what you mean about "thinking about attacks" will bring one on.  I get this all the time from family and friends, they just don't realise that this is a medical condition and whether your thinking about it or not it will still happen.

Are you taking any meds?  I'm on 150mg flecainide twice a day and still having attacks.  this is the third type of drug they've tried with me now so my only option is an ablation.

I hate the fact that this is happening to me (i'm 35) but I suppose things could be a lot worse.  
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
ck1
Incidentally, I didn’t realize it.  The other night I was bending over stretching for a long while until I felt oddly uncomfortable like I was going to have an episode.  I never put the two together until you mentioned that!  I didn’t know there were triggers that caused it to happen.  
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
ck1
Wow, this is a good discussion.  I was just diagnosed with PSVT at the end of February.  I'm happy to say I'm learning to live with it as well.  It difficult at times, especially when you’re going through it, or feeling distracted by a generally feeling of “not well”; the an all encompassing word I use to describe a pounding heart, skipped beats, shortness of breath, headaches, and a general feeling of blah.  In any event, it helps knowing you're not alone so thank you for starting this discussion.

I'm curious if any of you have experienced chest pain?  

I get a sharp throbbing pain in the same place quite a lot and the doctors wont seem to acknowledge it.  It's right above my heart and I can place my hand on it every time.  If I get that pain I might either have an episode of PSVT or I might just feel really cruddy. I know there's a thought that I'm "thinking" about it and therefore I'm causing it to happen, but I don't in anyway believe it.  For one, I know what I'm dealing with now and I'm not afraid of it like I was.  Also, I couldn’t recreate those racing heart palpations no matter how hard I tried.  I'm an avid runner, and I've been feeling these sharp pains more now when I run (and those days are not good runs).  Not sure what to do.  I wish the doctors would tell me it’s part of the symptoms of PSVT but not to fear.  Instead they tell me it's muscular (but it's been going on for over a month, when this all began, and I haven't lifted anything to cause it and it just starts out of the blue).  I’m 33 and in good health.  When I do get full on episodes of PSVT my chest hurts a lot worse (including the same area), just entire heart and muscles surrounding it feel exhausted and worn out.  Anyone else experience that?

By the way, I do get PSVTs when I run, not all the time, but about less than half.  Unfortunately it didn’t happen while I was taking the stress test at the doctor’s office, so now I have to run with my event monitor; I’ve managed to log one event. I hadn't realized I was having PSVT while I ran until I wore my heart rate monitor and watched my heart rate spike and come back down.  I actually wear my running heart rate monitor all the time now; it’s really helped calm me knowing what my heart rate is.  That way when I’m feeling “not well” I don’t panic knowing my heart is still happily beating along.  I don’t plan to wear it all the time, but I’m a recent diagnosee so it’s really helped knowing what my heart’s doing by glancing down at my watch.    
Helpful - 0
183222 tn?1375334552
Thanks Paul... it does help knowing I'm not alone, that I'm not the only one feeling emotionally drained from the fear i USED to get when this all started. But now i feel I've come to terms with the fact that they are going to happen and i do deal with them HEAPS better then when i first had them. If only now i could clear my head of the worry of "when are they going to happen"

If you don't mind me asking why do you now go to the ER rather then waiting it out ??

Take care

Mishele
Helpful - 0
280299 tn?1216855676
It has helped me a great deal knowing I wasn't alone with the SVT and the emotional feelings that accompany them too.

When I was younger (early 20s) I used to ride them out for about 2-3 hours. Now I go to the ER if after 15 mins it hasn't reverted, sometimes they do revert on their own. I usually get about 5-10 very brief episodes each month where it feels like an episode will start but it stops after 1 or 2 fast beats.

I  don't take any medication thankfully and exercise regularly.

I know its easy to say not to worry when having an episode, I used to be very scared but all I was doing was speeding up the rate with anxiety. Now I try and take deep breaths and relax and it does seem to help.

Hope this helps you....
Helpful - 0
2
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the Heart Rhythm Community

Top Arrhythmias Answerers
1807132 tn?1318743597
Chicago, IL
1423357 tn?1511085442
Central, MA
Learn About Top Answerers
Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
Are there grounds to recommend coffee consumption? Recent studies perk interest.
Salt in food can hurt your heart.
Get answers to your top questions about this common — but scary — symptom
How to know when chest pain may be a sign of something else
A list of national and international resources and hotlines to help connect you to needed health and medical services.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.