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SVT Medications

Heart & Blood Health | Last Active: Apr 23, 2022 | Replies (9)

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@lisadib

Hi,
Thank you. The medication is new to me, I've only been on for about 5 weeks. Prior it was as needed. Yes, discussed with the doctor yesterday, but was very disheartened as although I'm very active -- but not an athlete -- I felt like the EP was pushing me towards meds vs. ablation, which I was very frustrated with. He was also very dismissive. My SVT episodes last a long time and vagal maneuvers no longer work to break them. I haven't started the Diltiazem yet as after reading it's side effects, seemed very unappealing. I'm essentially biding my time until Feb. 10th when I get another opinion from another cardiac group. Just was curious about others' experiences and side effects. I'm on a small dose of metoprolol - 1/2 25mg tablet twice a day. The EP recommended 120mg of Diltiazem once a day. I am very active and don't like how I'm feeling on the meds.

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Replies to "Hi, Thank you. The medication is new to me, I've only been on for about 5..."

Hi @lisadib. I'm glad to make myself available at Amanda Burnett's invitation in the hope that I can help settle your mind about dealing with SVTs. My own electrophysiological problem is atrial fibrillation. My wife endured several months of SVT about 9 years ago. Her treatment was -- and continues to be -- simply 25mg of Atenolol every morning. She can't remember her last episode of tachycardia. Atenolol is a beta blocker, a cousin of Metoprolol, but its narrower range of effects appears to make it easier to accommodate.

My medications, like yours, include a beta blocker, Carvedilol (Coreg brand name), Lisinopril, and Amiloride (a diuretic) mostly to treat high blood pressure. When I had a small stroke a few years ago, Carvedilol became a primary medication. Before that I was on Diltiazem for some time, but talked my medical team into a change because of swelling in my ankles and feet.

That takes me to another emphasis that might be helpful. I have been fortunate to get my medical care from an HMO that (like Mayo) puts a premium on teamwork and counts the patient as a member of the team. When I need to change therapy my doctors give me advance notice so that I can get prepared to discuss it with them before a decision is made. In an emergency situation, I'm at their disposal and anxious to have them take over without waiting for me to argue about it. As you can imagine, I have found a relationship with my medical professionals that I value and will preserve, and if it becomes necessary, I'll make every effort to replace them with equally partnering people. Are you situated so that you could build your own medical team to work with? Martin