supraventricular tachycardia

[Nikki999]

I am in my early fifties, male and have had SVT since I was a kid.  20 years ago I went to a cardiologist and I was told this is not life threatening, and they gave me some drugs (dont remember which ones) but they didnt work.  THey talked about ablation.  They told me that while this problem is uncomfortable, I didnt need to do anything if I could live with it.  I have never been to a doctor since that time.  I have episodes about one every month or two.  THey last from a couple hours to 18 hours.  
The reason I am writing is that now I am currently in one of the episodes.  I have been in it over 72 hours.  It has gotten better (less uncomfortable), but it is still in tachycardia.  I want to wait until it stops, because right now I dont even have a doctor and my insurance probably wouldnt cover it.  I have tried the usual things that usually work to stop it --coughing, holding breath and bearing down, but they havent worked.  The intensity it is at right now is not bad -- I can do everything including work when it is like this.  My question is.....is it OK to just wait for it to stop?  Or should I be worried?  It has never gone this long before.  THe other consideration is that I just quit smoking 3 days ago and have some withdrawal (flu like) symptoms.

[mabebesc]

Hi,
I had SVT since I was 16. I am now 53.  I had an ablation for AVNRT  in Aug. and haven't had SVT since. I always relied on my usual tricks like holding my breath and squatting down until it got to the point that I didn't want to deal with it anymore.

I really think you should see an EP Dr. ( an electrophysiologist) who can help figure out what arrythmia you have. You have put up with quite a lot . I put up with it for 36 years so I know how frustrating this can be.

If I can help you in any way, let me know. I'd be happy to answer any questions you may have.
Betty

[Nikki999]

My heart just returned to normal rhythm.  I was reading on a website today ---not sure if it was this one or another--someone said they took maalox to stop their episode.  I have a bit of stomach nausea too so I figured I would try it.  I took the Maalox twenty minutes ago and it just stopped.  (My stomach feels better too).
Thanks again-- And thanks to Ireneo too!

[Jerry_NJ]

Stress can cause rhythm irregularities, and given you have just quit smoking I assume you are under some stress from that.  Stick with it, not smoking will help your heart condition in the long run.

You say you have been diagnosed with SVT, so you may be able to identify what's going on.  For whatever help I quote: "Common symptoms associated with SVT include palpitations, light headedness, and chest pain. SVT may also cause confusion or loss of consciousness."  It can also be associated with Atrial problems, e.g., fibrillation and thus I conclude it is risky not to be on an anticoagulant.  If you are  not on that, and I assume you are not, taking an aspirin could be a good idea if you can tolerate aspirin.

[ireneo]

So much depends on the type of SVT you're having and the rate. If you happen to be having atrial fibrillation, the biggest concern would be blood clots forming. My opinion is 72  hours is too long to go on like that without some kind of intervention. I would recommend going in to urgent care.