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SVT Ablation, should I get it?
I'm a 28y/o female that's pretty active. I've had what I assumed was SVT on and off for the past 9yrs, up until a few months ago it was never caught on a monitor. It mainly came out with exercise, I would feel a PAC then feel my HR increase to very high rate. I finally had a 30 day holter monitor to wear and caught an episode, my HR went up to 260bpm! I got light headed and just sat down and let it ride out, lasted about 5 mins or so. I usually vagal out of the episodes but I let that one go since I had the monitor on. My Dr. referred me to a cardiologist and he wants to do an ablation. I work as a cardiac RN so I've taken care of many patient with this procedure but never thought I would need one. My question is, is it worth it? I get occasional PACs with anxiety or exercise but that's about it. I've read that many ppl suffer PACs and PVCs pretty extensively after the ablation. I understand that these are benign but ppl end up on meds to control them, which I don't want and was the main appeal to getting the ablation. I'm a very active person and love to run so having SVT has definitely stopped me from doing this. Anyone have any advice??
Best Answer
Hi. Just wondering what you've decided. I have a very similar case to yours I think. unfortunately I haven't caught the rhythm. My ep cardio suggested ep study as well. My biggest fear is that they can't make it happen and it's all for naught. I have exhausted every other test though and done some of them multiple times. My frequency is about 1-4 a year and it last about 15 minutes. I really just want to get this monkey off my back. I'm afraid to go on rafting trips because I'm worried about it happening far from a hospital and what if I can't self convert. Frustrating.
You're going to be a little limpy for a week or two perhaps. I found that a stroll around a mall after a day of resting helped a lot. Yes, I had jumpiness too! Expect that for up to a year or longer. You're young, and still have a full life ahead of you now free of SVT. Live it!
I am so glad to hear it went well. your odds of a cure are super high so you are likely free from this for good. I had the same response realizing I got myself all worked up over nothing but until you do it you just can't know. I was in and out in a couple of hours as well which I am sure helped our experience. Well rest up. Your heart may run a bit fast and be jumpy for a time but it will get slowly better and soon be a distant memory. Congratulations.
Great! I knew you could do it! Now take it easy for a couple of days, then slowly pour it on. Enjoy you life and don't look back!
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