Out of control SVT symptoms

I admit up front that I am no doctor, and my arrhythmia is AF, atrial fibrillation, about which I have learned much. Probably just enough to make me dangerous. 😀

SVT seems to run in couplets, triplets, and quadruplets...mostly, and then they go, but it depends on the type and on the patient. Palpitations is the word the doctors use to describe what patients tell them they feel. It isn't a diagnosis, just a symptom. And palpitations can be experienced with AF, SVT, and with PACs, (premature atrial contractions). In fact, since you seem to know you are NOT in tachyarrhythmia, your words being '...even when my heart rate is within normal range,' it is possible that you are getting some PACs....don't know if they showed up, but maybe they are doing that recently. The thing is that atrial tachyarrhythmia might not show all the time when the ventricles are not trying to keep up and just show normal rate. And some AF can be under 90 BPM, but it's still a wonky atrial rhythm that works against the rest of the heart.

Here is a very technical article that will explain a lot to you if you care to wade right up to your chin in it. 🙂
https://johnsonfrancis.org/professional/ecg-basics-a-brief-review/supraventricular-arrhythmia-part-1/

@julie0309
You might want to consider a second opinion via telehealth.

That must be so frustrating for you. I experienced PVC’s, PAC’s & very occasional tachycardia since my late 20’s (I am now 67). I have always been healthy & athletic in spite of these annoying arrhythmias. In Aug 2025 I went into A-fib, which led me on a journey that ultimately led me to a wonderful Electrophysiologist in San Diego, & resulted in a cardiac ablation for SVT. The ablation has significantly reduced my PVC’s & PAC’s, & hopefully also reduced my risk of future A-fib. And along with the implantation of a continuous loop recorder the ablation has allowed me to come off Eliquis, which I was told by my Cardiologist that I would be on for the rest of my life.

So with all of that said, have you seen an EP? The way it was explained to me, Cardiologists handle the heart’s “plumbing” & Electrophysiologists deal with the “wiring”. Perhaps an SVT ablation (if appropriate for you) could give you some relief of these nagging symptoms. I would highly recommend a consult with an EP.

Best of luck!

@gloaming

Thank you so much for the article. I appreciate the information.

@kellyb1960

Yes I’ve been to 2 different electrophysiologists. The first one dismissed me and said I have anxiety. My cardiologist sent him my holter report. He said he didn’t see anything on the report. I called my cardiologist to confirm my SVT result. Then the second electrophysiologist put me on another holter for a month. I’m on medication now, so I had no tachycardia. When I went back for my follow up at the electrophysiologist he dismissed me, too. He said my holter showed nothing. I’m explained my symptoms, and he told me to get an Apple Watch and self monitor

@julie0309 Do it. Please. This will place him/her in the position of 'put up or shut up.' Your bran' spankin' new smart watch will be able to record an arrhythmia if you tell it to....and you'll know because you're symptomatic. So, it begins to record when you make it record, and then you'll upload that record to your health app on your phone. From there, you send the file digitally via text/email to his/her office and it will be as clear as day...and inarguable.

If this is all too much for you, at least learn to make the watch take the reading. From there, a helpful grandchild or neighbour will walk you through all it takes to get the file onto your tablet/computer, and from there how to get it to the EP's office. I'm sure you can see that this places the EP in a position out from which he cannot squeeze. Or, it will show YOU that whatever you are sensing, real or spurious though it may eventually prove to be, that it isn't actually an arrhythmia...at least not one that your watch is programmed to detect.

If you would not like to get a watch, or just to have to wear one, there are the Kardia devices and Oura and other smart rings that are quite effective.....if you can stand to wear one of those instead. You do have options.

Thanks for explaining all of that. I think you’re right. I will get the Apple Watch . I appreciate all your advice!

For just over a month, I've been awakened by my dog as my heart is vibrating rather than beating. I researched and found I should drink water, breath deep, etc. Local doctor gave me ativan for stress. Not working. This causes me to heat up right after. I can't get any sleep. I try different positions. Now after weeks it's worse. They're getting stronger and my chest is hurting. I don't feel this much during the day.
Problem: Went to Cardio who began berating me for not returning 18 months ago for a monitor. (I had some mild palpitations earlier). She was unkind and threatening me. I walked out. I need a monitor, I need the angiogram. Now I'll have to start over. I'm having chest pains. I live 120 miles away.

I find another cardiologist. Ask for a holter monitor. In the meantime, maybe the doctor can prescribe medication so you can get the chest pain , & vibrating feeling under control. I’m so sorry you are going through this. I have severe palpitations, too. I know it’s very hard to deal with

@dcypherzzz These are suggestions for you to consider, to research, to discuss with your GP/EP, and maybe also with a dietician if it fits:

AF is not lethal, but it can be almost debilitating due to the nasty symptoms it creates. Anxiety is one symptom, although you CAN get used to having AF if you know more about it and if some things work most of the time to shut if off.

AF and other arrhythmias can be caused by a lack of magnesium in one's diet. Have you ever been evaluated for RBC Mg? It might be worth a shot...in the dark....because it may be THE culprit for you. Most people don't get enough magnesium in their diet these days, although many get just enough to stay healthy and not have heart problems.

Believe it or not, more exercise might help your heart. If you are mostly inactive, going for a brisk 20 minute walk once or twice a day helps to keep the doctor away as well as an apple does. 😀 Do consult your GP/Cardiologist about this to make sure you can do it safely and with that person's encouragement. Naturally, I understand that walking or mobility in general may be a limitation for you. Rowing? On a machine?

I am glad you are getting an ablation. I have had two (first one missed a tiny gap in the scars created around the pulmonary veins and I was back in AF inside of six days). The second ablation has had me free of AF since February 14th, 2023. My hope is that you find relief that way and that you go on for many years without all that bother and anxiety.