SVT or something more serious in a 27yo M?

[andrew0099]

I am a 27yo M, with a reasonably normal height:weight ratio.  My mother has some issues with benign heart murmur/skipped beats, otherwise, no heart problems in family history.  About 10 months ago, I had a case of Atrial Fib. that resulted in me being cardioverted in the emergency room.  During my 3-4 hour run of Atrial Fib, I experienced no other symptoms other than racing, irregular heartbeat.  After this, I had an echocardiogram, several EKG's, holter monitor, event monitor, blood tests.  According to my cardiologist, all of these tests came back normal.  The final diagnosis was a lone case of SVT that progressed to A Fib.  Since then, I have completely eliminated caffeine, smoking, and most alcohol just to be safe.

In the last couple months, I have begun to experience short cases of a rapid heartbeat (not sure if it is regular or irregular).  My heart will very noticeably race for a few seconds, then return to normal.  I do have a flushing feeling in my face when this happens.  These events always occur later at night when I am relaxing, and are never really associated with exercise, alcohol consumption...  I have had followup holter monitor/EKG tests that came back 'normal', but I am never symptomatic during these tests!

My question is: If my test results have all come back normal, do I have much to worry about?  I am NOT imagining these brief cases of racing heartbeat.  I have constantly been leaving in fear and anxiety over the last 10 months because of this... I cant stop thinking about it. I am worried I have HCM, or a more serious ventricle problem... Could they be missing something if I am not symptomatic during Holter Monitor/EKG??

I do have some Acid Reflux problems, but I have never been tested for GERD.  I often get chest tightness at night, but I am hoping it is related to Acid reflux and not heart?

Thanks for any help!

[Esmeralda8]

I just read your question, 6 months after, but still I would like to comment. Have you been checked for Thyroid function or Adrenal gland function?
Hyperthyroidism is a cause of rapid heart beat. Also a condition known as Primary Hyperaldosteronism. Other causes of tachycardia, lung disease, anxiety,and medications. Tachycardia is a very broad symptom from which to search but it is worth it to do. Once you have ruled out the most common causes of tachycardia you are not so worried. Because you had a second onset of rapid heart beat and more over with an aggregated symptom of flushing in your face I would consult with an endocrinologist rather than cardiologist.
Thanks,
Esmeralda

[Brooke_38]

You mentioned that you had a normal echocardiogram...when did you have this done? If you had HCM, or any other structural problem in the chambers or valves this would have been seen during the echo. It is natural to worry but sometimes worrying too much can only exacerbate symptoms.

If you are not having these symptoms during holter monitoring or EKG, these tests would be considered normal. To put your mind at ease, you should consider calling the cardiologist back to see about another event monitor. How often are you having symptoms of this rapid heartbeat? Also, were you given any medication like a beta blocker or calcium channel blocker?

Please do not worry, you are doing the right things by eliminating all the factors that could cause your heart to be unhappy.