When you wrote of iv of meds - can you explain please ? Did that work or was it similar to conversion - a bandaid? I am looking for the least invasive procedure but also one that will work ! Thanks for responding, Didi<br><br>

<br>Hi 2880, <br>I am not sure if you are asking me a question or someone else. It would help if you addressed your question specifically to the person you are responding to..... If it was me- I have been in emergency sometimes 5 times in a year or more.. I had SVT ( Supraventricular tachycardia) my whole life ( I was born with an extra accessory pathway in my heart) and sometimes, for no reason, my heart would start racing at 220 or more BPM. In my 50's I developed Atrial Fib, at that time my heart would beat very quickly, but irregularly. When I found it too difficult to tolerate I would go to emergency and they would give me an IV> I think it was a verapamil is drip and I would always respond well to it. My heart rate slowed down and I would eventually go into sinus rhythm. Hope this helps you, <br>Martiska <br>

Thank you for your kind reply .

Can you please explain your drug conversion ? I am contemplating as electric conversion was short lived .
Thanks! 2880

<br>Hello @2880. <br><br><br>I have had a long history of SVT (very rapid heart rate -up to 220-230 BPM). I was born with this problem and was finally diagnosed in my mid 20's. I was put on beta blockers at that time and tried many different kinds over the years. In my 40's I developed AFIb. They then added rhythm drugs to the cocktail. So when I had a tachycardia or SVT it was now coupled with AFib- so I had an extremely fast AND irregular heart rate.Sometimes it was very difficult to tolerate the symptoms and I would often go to emergency (nurses and doctors began to know me!) And although I was offered cardio conversion I declined with the blessing of my electrophysiologist. I had paroxysmal Afib which can start and stop on its own. <br><br><br>The drug that worked for me was verapamil delivered through an iv in several small doses. This was often accompanied by a sublingual ativan, or a few, to help me relax. So when I entered emerg I would inform the triage nurse that I was requesting this course of treatment and that I did not want a cardio conversion.I would also do some progressive relaxation exercises which were very effective in helping myself cope with the stress of the situation. It is important to note that this course of treatment was effective for me since I didn't have persistent aFIb which cannot stop spontaneously and needs intervention. <br><br><br>I also dealt with many of these episodes at home with the support of my husband. It sometimes took 4 or 5 hours to get into a sinus rhythm without the verapamil. Since I was sailing for over a year, during some of these episodes I was unable to get to a hospital and needed to cope. A few years ago I had my 5th and final ablation. This one was a pulmonary vein ablation and it was successful so I no longer experience either rhythm problem. Both the SVT and Afib are gone! Your electrophysiologist would be able to diagnose the type of Afib you have and plan the best course of action with you to deal with it. My doctor was very informative, spent a lot of time going over my questions (I had many!) and together we (dr, myself and husband) chose the course I was most comfortable with. <br><br><br>I wish you luck. Let me know how you fare. <br>Best, Martishka <br><br><br><br><br>

My electrophisiologist recommended another Cardioversion followed by 2 days in hospital on Tikysen(s??)
I have also contacted Dr Andrea Natale in Austin for another opinion ( non stop flight from Portland)
I just want to do what is right for me !
Don't have faith in Doc here.Wishi did!
Thanks for great replys , Didi