What to do when in SVT (supraventricular tachycardia)?

Posted by ashby1947 @ashby1947, Jan 7, 2020

I have had several episodes of SVT, the last of which landed me in the hospital for several days and a change of medication to diltiazim (along with my many others). I will be reviewed by an EP in a few months (!) and probably discuss having an ablation. I have a very complicated heart history - open heart surgery to repair mitral valve, episodes of Afib, cardioversions, an ablation, etc., but overall am in very good health. My heart and I get along pretty well! This SVT is annoying, however. When I'm in an episode, I try vagal maneuvers, which has worked a couple of times. Otherwise, I have to head to the hospital with my heart rate thundering at 160 - 190. I'm not really frightened by all this, probably because I"ve been through so much; however, the fear of SVT is ever present. This causes me to restrict airplane travel and activities which would involve not being close to a hospital. I mean, what do I do at 35,000 feet when I can't get my heart rate down and I'm 4 hours ( 8 hours on an oversees flight) away from land? If you have had any experience with SVT, I would welcome your experience and suggestions. I hope this finds you all well! Thank you, Sue

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I am diagnosed with SVT. My resting heart rate goes up to 220 bpm. Had ablation, not successful. Take 240 diltiazem daily, still have episodes. Propanolol as needed, does nothing. The only thing that works is xanax🤔🤔. Makes me wonder if it's really SVT or anxiety?

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@lisadib

All, I am new to the group. I'm 53 and have had SVTs for 20+ years. Mine last hours and thanks to my Kardia device, I finally caught them and have been referred for an ablation procedure. My question is this. Once the cardiologist identified them, he put me on Metatropolol, which has caused weight gain, headaches, digestive issues and overall lethargy. I'm not a fan of how I feel or the prospect of staying on them for life (one solution to ablation provided by EP). I am very active and do not like how I feel or the side effects I'm having. My EP just recommended switching to Diltiazem. After reading more about this medication, I'm worried about making the switch. Can anyone share their experiences with either of these meds? I'm going back in Feb. to talk next steps, but am definitely leaning toward ablation as opposed to lifelong meds. Thanks!

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The first diltiazem I took gave me laryngeal edema, my usual reaction to meds I am allergic to.

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