1. < Heart Rhythm Conditions

SVT question!

Posted by jpeters6930 @jpeters6930, Mar 31 6:18pm

I’ve recently been diagnosed with SVT. What is the longest anyone out there has been ‘out of rhythm’?? I am currently on Metoprolol & Lisinopril daily. My cardiologist gave me a ‘pocket pill/ Diltiazem to take if the tachycardia doesn’t regulate itself. (No other underlying issues). I’m not an alarmist nor do I have my doctor on speed dial!! Just wondering at what point should I consider the ER. Thank you.

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psyche | @psyche | Apr 2 10:53am

When my SVT is fast, (in 160-200 range) I have found that dropping my head between my legs while sitting and trying to breathe slowly stops it quickly almost every time.

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1 reply
jpeters6930 | @jpeters6930 | Apr 2 1:41pm
In reply to @psyche "When my SVT is fast, (in 160-200 range) I have found that dropping my head between..." + (show)
@psyche

When my SVT is fast, (in 160-200 range) I have found that dropping my head between my legs while sitting and trying to breathe slowly stops it quickly almost every time.

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That has worked for me but only sometimes. I can almost tell by the actual ‘beating’ (if that makes sense) if it’s going to work

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jpeters6930 | @jpeters6930 | Apr 2 1:47pm
In reply to @gloaming "Face in cold water might/can do it....for some....but I would be more inclined to pour it..." + (show)
@gloaming

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.

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You commented on the ice water method. In a pinch, do you think an ice pack would work? Just an opinion

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1 reply
gloaming | @gloaming | Apr 2 6:48pm
In reply to @jpeters6930 "You commented on the ice water method. In a pinch, do you think an ice pack..." + (show)
@jpeters6930

You commented on the ice water method. In a pinch, do you think an ice pack would work? Just an opinion

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It might. It's worth a try. This is what so many of us do when we realize, or suspect, that we have triggers that need to be stopped or minimized, and we all look for quick fixes that might stem either the onset or the actual presence of AF if it is taking place. Some step out onto a winter balcony or back deck, or they step into a cold shower, or they bend over a sink and pour cold tapwater over their heads. The shock can induce a reversion to NSR, and there's a big sigh of relief. For a while, anyway.

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jpeters6930 | @jpeters6930 | 6 days ago

FYI…after you mentioned the ice water fix it was my husband that said “ what about an ice pack”? That made sense as I read up on the vagus nerve and just what it controls, one being your heart rate. The article(s) also mentioned that an ice pack for 15 minutes is another method to try!! Who knew…….!

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ksauerbrey | @ksauerbrey | 4 days ago
In reply to @jefftalley "I had SVT for maybe 20 years until I had an ablation in 2018. Regarding triggers,..." + (show)
@jefftalley

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.

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After your ablation you never had anymore episodes?

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JT1959 | @jefftalley | 3 days ago

The ablation for SVT worked wonders...never had it again. I had another ablation, a pulsed field ablation, in 2024 for afib, and from what I can tell I have had no episodes of that, either. I was asymptomatic so it's a little harder to tell, but a Holter Monitor afterwards recorded none, so I'm optimistic.

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