SVT Ablation, should I get it?

[kcolly32]

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??

[kcolly32]

Had the ablation today and I can honestly say I worried way too much about this procedure. I went in at 9am and now home by 5pm! Other than a sore groin and some lightheadedness I feel way better than I ever expected! My Dr was able to induce my SVT with adrenaline and brun the spot that caused it and couldn't get it to go back into SVT so he feels like it was successful. My procedure took only 2hrs, and the staff was wonderful! I encourage anuone living with SVT to get the ablation done. I know it'll be a while before I'll know if it was a 100% successful but the procedure itself was totally worth it. Get
It, you'll be glad you did!

[CS3218]

Hi there,

Good luck with the procedure.  It was a piece of cake for me.  I sent you a message, hope to hear from you.

[tom_h]

Well I wish you the best!  I think we all go in the lab with some degree of fear and dread.  If you haven't done so already, speak to the electrophysiologist and ask if he can give you something to make you comfortable.  The day of your procedure IS NOT the time to ask for this.  They have everything "mapped out" by that time.  Inquirer now!  Let us know how you do, and we're always here for any last minute questions.  BTW, forum user "Jannie411" has an excellent journal on her procedure.  She was completely awake for the entire process (I don't know how she did it!)  Good luck!

[kcolly32]

I've decided to go on with the ablation next week just because it will never go away otherwise. As much as I am terrified of the procedure, if I want a chance at being able to run again and start a family SVT needs to be taken care of. I'm hoping everything works out ok and will keep everyone updated. Thanks for all the replies!

[MichelleP_3811]

There is a type of svt that happens in older folks and really active folks called afib.  I would try and find out if this is the type of svt you have.  It is a bit trickier to fix so you will want to read up on it to know what you are dealing with.  But first question your ep on whether or not they suspect afib.  If so then the flutters may actually just be some ectopic activity.  I had svt my whole life but it didn't get active until my late 30s.  By my early 40s I was starting to get a lot of the flutters every day from my heart being irritated by the svt.  They are a separate issue from the svt.  I got the svt cleared up and the flutters have just about gone way.  When you were in the ER were you there for a super fast beat or these flutters you mention.  Meaning do you feel different symptoms or is this all just a flutter feeling for you?  It is important to know what you are dealing with so you can make the best most informed decision on whether to try ablation or not.  Take care and keep us posted on how you are doing.

[phil_g]

You mention the key is finding it.  I assume you are talking about the particular area of defective tissue?

I'm 52 and have been experiencing palpitations for years.  I'm fairly active for my age and do a few half-marathons or marathons each year.  This summer I had a big episode while finishing a run.  Got to the ER and they ended up doing a heart cath but found no blockages.  Everything checked out great.  30-days on an event monitor lead to a finding of SVT.  I've been on a beta-blocker for about a month. I resumed running shortly after that. I believe the palpitations abated for about a week and have steadily resumed.  I currently experience approx 20-30 "episodes" of fluttering per day.  Can't seem to pinpoint a food/supplement/medicinal cause. However, I haven't had another situation similar to that which sent me to the ER.  My EP has suggested an ablation and we are considering it simply in hopes that my heart will go back to feeling normal and I can quit thinking about it all the time.

Does this sound familiar to anyone?