SVT question!

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.

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

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

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.

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…….!

After your ablation you never had anymore episodes?

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.

Hi @jpeters6930 - I just recently found this group and wishing I had found something like this years ago! Great forum and you have a great question! I am 58 and have had an arrythmia since I was 25. It was re-diagnosed three times over the last 30 years but we finally got a good ECG recorded while I was having probably the worst "attack" I had had in 15 years. At that time, I was re-diagnosed from what was thought to be atrial fib to SVT. My treatment regimen really didn't change - I've controlled it well with 240mg Verapamil once daily for years.

When I had my first episode at 25 I was certain I was having a heart attack. It went on for about an hour or so until my co-worker insisted I go to the ER. I have not had such a bad episode as that very first one until about 5 years ago. Like an idiot, I thought perhaps I was "cured" because I hadn't had any problems at all for close to ten years. I stopped taking the verapamil and sure enough, after about three weeks I had a very bad attack that lasted almost 6 hours until I finally gave in and went to the hospital.

Typically, when symptomatic, they were not bad episodes and I could control them very well by engaging or stimulating the vagus nerve. For me, that involved laying on my back on a hard surface, putting pressure just above my stomach with my hands and doing controlled, meditation-like breathing. I've rarely had to "self-treat" since sticking religiously to taking my meds the last several years. Good Luck to you and keep in touch here with your journey!

This group has been extremely helpful in treating my SVT episodes. I had no idea if the maneuver tried didn't work, to continue trying it as long as there were no other concerning symptoms. I had my initial episode ~ 6-7 years ago, with 2 recurrences that year. Then nothing until last year. Only two, and then one 3 weeks ago. 2 of those required adenosine intervention. BUT I only tried the Valsalva once (wasn't as familiar with modified version ... AND was only told to 'bear down' as opposed to "blowing out" so not sure I was doing as effectively as possible).

As I am flying overseas (North American to Asia) in 3 weeks, with 10- and 14-hour flights, looking forward to a vacay of a life-time, I'm feeling a little anxious. I've not been able to determine triggers particularly. But with the information I've gleaned on techniques, AND feeling more confident in the med (Bisoprolol 2.5 mg) prescribed by my new GP (yes, timing is frustrating ... thank Canadian medicine in a smaller city) I'm going to be less anxious than before. Thank you for the support.