Exercise-induced SVT

[anacyde]

This condition sucks.  If (during exercise) I move just the right way or of my heart rate gets too high, all it takes is one PAC and I go into SVT.  This means I have to stop what I am doing, bear down, then go splash cold water on my face before I can resume what I was doing.  It always seems to happen when I'm really feeling my best, too.  Talk about a buzzkill!

Since the episodes are so short, usually less than 30 seconds, my cardiologist says they require no treatment and certainly not an EP.  The episodes vary from happening with nearly every workout to vanishing completely for months at a time.  I also have PACs and PVCs which are considered a "normal variant".  But GEEZ!  It would be so awesome if my heart would just stay in NSR and I didn't even have to THINK about it.

I'd like to talk to other exercise-induced SVT/PSVT sufferers.  I'm sure there are some of you here, this isn't uncommon.  I'd like to discuss strategies and helpful tips in managing this, what you've found helpful and what seems to tigger you.

[anacyde]

tsco, what is the mechanism of your SVT?  FOUR ablations?  Man.  But yeah, I can do the treadmill as long as I keep a certain incline at a certain speed that I know is rate-safe for avoiding SVT.  I hate limitations, and it places a few on me.  I love being  and being active.

acjviolin, SVT used to set my nerves on edge too, but after 13 years of having it, it's just annoying now.  I think CBT will really help you, I think back when this started for me it would have been beneficial for myself as well.  I hope you find some relief, both from the SVT and the worry.

sueinns, I hope your ablation is successful!  You were passing out?  I usually feel just fine during the episode, though I feel a little weak in the legs immediately after.  I suspect that's due more to my having been working out vigorously and having to stop abruptly without a cooldown.  Are you having PVCs or PACs?  While PACs seem more likely, maybe not.  I have both.

Good to know I'm not alone in my frustrations, though I certainly wouldn't wish this on anyone.

[sueinns]

I feel your frustration!!!  You describe my life for the past year.  It sucks big time - especially if being active is such an important part of your life.  I would go a few weeks feeling well and then, out of the blue, I'd get exercise induced SVT that would last for weeks.  Felt pretty good if I wasn't exerting myself but the minute I got my heart rate up, BAM!!!  It's not fun looking for things to brace yourself with so you don't pass out.

Had an ablation 11 days ago.  They told me my chances for a cure was 95%.  I'm surprised they haven't given you the option of at least seeing an EP specialist if your condition is adversely affecting your life.  The doctor also told me that without the ablation, I would have had the condition for the rest of my life.

Since my ablation, I've continued to have PVC's but have been able to run without stopping and not once has my heart raced nor have I felt faint.  Time will tell whether it's been a success but I'm staying optimistic.

[acjviolin]

I'm there with you guys.  Probably not as big a sufferer, but a big worrier.  Working on that,too.  Currently wearing a 2 week Holter to catch my exercise induced SVT.  I'm a coward, though.  I have not had an ablation yet.  The ice water (drinking it AND dunking my head in a sink of it!) usually does the trick as does the vagel maneuvers.  BUT, I'm racked with nerves afterward- every time!  I'm starting cognative behavioral therapy tomorrow to learn to curb these instantaneous, negative, catastrophic type thoughts from invading my mind when my SVT occurs.  Sometimes the SVT will precipitate into Afib.  Not fun.  Thinking of you both,

Amy

[tsco]

I'm right there with ya.  My problem is my episodes last 45 minutes to 2 hours.  I lock in and stay for awhile.  After a 4th ablation for SVT I developed left bundle block (rate induced). The meds I take reduce the LBBB rate to around 120.  To make things worse when the LBBB kicks in it triggers my SVT.  So now I treadmill with a rate monitor and have to stay below 115 or risk going into SVT (really sucks)  I could stop my med and the LBBB rate rises but then my pac's act up.  I give. It does vary.  About a month ago I was walking 2 miles a night and fealt so good I thought about starting to jog.  Lately I do good to walk the 2 miles and lift weights a little.  I'm athletic and was always in good shape.  I love the outdoors and now just taking the christmas lights off the house, climbing a ladder can throw me into SVT. (really sucks).  I'd be glad to talk strategies. I've tried a lot of things like you probably have.  There has to be a happy place.