SVT burden 18% but cardiologist office not returning calls

Posted by maryp64 @maryp64, Sep 15 12:17pm

Hello all- I recently spent a few hours in the ER (9/2) where it was determined I was experiencing frequent SVTs. I was put on diltiazem 120 MG and follow up at cardiology on 9/4, where I was placed on a holter monitor for 48 hours. I turned in the monitor on 9/8 (after labor day). Results show i had 3,989 runs in 48 hours, despite being medicated. I have reached out to my cardiologist office daily but no return phone call. I continue to have this high frequency of episodes. For context I am 62 years old, otherwise healthy but do have history of SVT however only occasional episodes that I was able to manage without medication. I am still employed full time. My job requires me to make presentations and I find talking exacerbates the issue, causing me to be short of breath. Any advice? Am I being a pain by calling my cardiologist office? They still haven't called me back.

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gently | @gently | Sep 15 2:08pm

mary64, no. Have you spoken with someone or are you having to leave messages. Even it you weren't spending 1/5 of your days in afib, you deserve a response. While not likely life threatening, you need assurance. Does this doctor have an in office nurse. I think it is too stressful to let the weekend pass without a response. If your doctor is on vacation, they probably have someone covering for them.

jc76 | @jc76 | Sep 15 5:47pm

@maryp64
I hate going to ER. It causes me a lot of stress and anxiety but I am told to go to ER if feeling bad with PVCs, PACs, tachycardia. And that is a lot these days.

You are not being a pain with your doctors. That is what they are there for. If you are experiencing shortness of breath make sure you tell the nurse or who you talk to make that plan to the doctor.

It is hard to get ahold of electrophysiologist and cardiologist through the day to give guidance. So I asked okay when have serious PVCs and or tachycardia (mine with medication stay below the shock level for my ICD) what was told to me was go to E.R. if you are feeling bad and it can be addressed.

I again don't like going to ER but if shortness of breath or what you feel is serious it is the place to consider going as they are going to make sure before releasing you, you do not have a life threatening issue.

I go to Mayo getting and even at Mayo hard to get your medical provider via phone or portal is sometimes difficult. I was told that almost all the P.A.s and doctors have a nurse that screens portal messages and phone calls of which ones to pass on.

Maybe say please have doctor call me and give the reasons why including shortness of breath. Good luck!!