SVT question!

As a general and precautionary rule, any arrhythmia somewhat higher than, or substantially higher than 100-140 BPM ought to be seen for urgent care. So, an ER visit in all probability. But a lot depends on which of the 14 non-bradycardia arrhythmias we're talking about. For example, ventricular tachycardia/fibrillation is potentially lethal, quickly. Atrial fibrillation is not lethal, although it can soon cause problems which are. SVTs and PACs (premature atrial complexes) are common for all hearts for very short runs every once in a while, so no real issue.

So, with all that, any tachyarrhythmia that has your heart beating more than 100 BPM for 24 hours should be managed at a health facility. And that's only if you know for a fact that it is atrial and not ventricular.

That is just what information I was looking for. I gave been diagnosed with Supraventricular Tachycardia and the med regimen I’m on pretty much keeps it controlled. But periodically it goes into tach. I’ve yet to figure out a trigger. I will definitely monitor the BPM rate and I appreciate that specific to look for. And I do have an appointment with my cardiologist next week. Thank you for you input and your time.

I had SVT for maybe 20 years until I had an ablation in 2018. Regarding triggers, sometimes there was nothing, it just happened. When jogging I noticed that if I stopped suddenly, like for traffic, that would set it off. I don’t think I ever had it for longer than an hour, although it sure felt like a long time. To resolve it I tried the valsalva maneuver, sticking my face in cold water and most of the time I just figure out how to breathe and stretch out my chest. You’ll probably have to play around with some options to figure out what works for you. I was never on meds for it which in hindsight would probably have been helpful.

That's a good question for your cardiologist. I'd think especially if he/she gave you a second rate control drug ( diltiazem) as a pill in the pocket to control the tachycardia when it doesn't stop on its own, you might need some additional instructions as to how long to expect that medication to stop the tachycardia, and what to do when it doesn't seem to be working ( ie, 1 hr, 2 hrs, etc??)
Wondering how long to wait till you think it's time to head to the ER is a valid question, I'd think your cardiologist should give you an idea when that time should come. I've read guidelines ( also mentioned in this thread), that if your heart rate is very high ( mine always got into the 190s-200's during my early SVT days), is ongoing at those rates, and/or you are symptomatic, ie, lightheaded, dizzy, short of breath, or with chest pain, it's time to go to the ER.

I have been on 150 mg/day metoprolol for a number of years, and it's done well at controlling my SVT. The bad news now is that A-fib has also reared its ugly head and I have short episodes of SVT and/or A-fib. My cardiologist has instructed me to take an extra 25 to 50 mg of metoprolol when those episodes last longer. Fortunately I have not had to do that.

I too have tried the slow breathing, the valsalva maneuver and coughing. Haven’t tried the face in ice water yet 🫨. The trigger has me stumped. Constant housework for 2 days, floors, beds, laundry etc and I was fine. 2 days later and I was useless. Thank you for your story and comments.

You certainly know my symptoms. When I was 1st diagnosed I was at 170-180 in the ER. The lisinopril, metoprolol and low dose HCTZ has kept it pretty much under control. Exception being the night I joined this Mayo Clinic Connect. I do have an appointment with my cardio next week. I gave only been dealing with SVT for a little over a year so trial and error with the meds are still in play. My other option presented to me was ‘ablation’. Food for thought. Thank you for your response.

Face in cold water might/can do it....for some....but I would be more inclined to pour it over the back of my head and neck using a pitcher...over the tub or a sink. Kneeling, please...over the tub...just in case.

If you google or search YouTube for 'how to increase Vagus nerve tone', maybe include atrial fibrillation in the syntax, you'll find other examples of ways to increase Vagus nerve tone. One involves plucking at the tragus of your ears about 20 times using forefingers and thumbs.

It is confusing to mix SVT in with other types of arrhythmias. It is also confusing the mix them in with other types of tachycardia that is any HR above 100 BMP. Ex: Ventricular Tachycardia is not SVT.
See : "What is the difference between ventricular and supraventricular tachycardia?"
"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/v-tach-vs-svt

SVT is a specific kind of tachycardia. There are 3 main groups of SVT with 5 other types of SVT.
Note: During SVT, the heart beats about 150 to 220 times a minute. See this for a perfect simple explanation of SVTs.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/supraventricular-tachycardia/symptoms-causes/syc-20355243
Also for a review on how to perform the valsalva maneuver:
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/23209-valsalva-maneuver
For an in-depth scientific review see:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537248/#:~:text=The%20Valsalva%20maneuver%20is%20forced,balloon%2C%20or%20playing%20the%20saxophone.

WOW….thank you so much for taking the time to share this information. I will definitely follow thru and investigate these sites.

What great ways to administer this vagus method. I will most certainly give them a go. And yes, over the tub!!
TY