Should I continue my care?

[KBalbuena]

1 year ago I experienced Supraventricular Tachycardia. My heart rate got up to a known 214 bpm. I was taken to the emergency room and before I reached the hospital my heart went back to a normal sinus rythym. I had follow up care where the cardiologist ordered an Echo and an EKG and everything was fine. I saw my internist about 6-7 months later and had an EKG which was also fine. It was very traumatic for me and even though I havn't experienced it since and many health professionals (other than cardiologists whom I've not seen since the incident) have told me that my heart is a normal 23 year old heart, my anxiety and panic over it have continued. Do you think it is important to continue care with a cardiologist?

[chuparosa]

I hope this is a one time occurance for you. But I'd say yes you should continue on with your care. Although I am twice your age, my svt started as a rare occurance and then gradually, over many years, I started to have more attacks. I always had a normal ekg. Doctors were never able to catch it on a 30 day heart monitor and just like you my rhythm would convert before I got attention at the hospital. I also live in NYC. We are lucky to have some of the greatest medical care available and many hospitals nearby.

[Jerry_NJ]

Regular preventive health care, including a full physical exam are the best advice.  In your case I'd think the physical should consider an EKG (mine does) but in the absence of any other heart rhythm problems I'd not seek an exam from a cardiologist more than every few, perhaps 5, years.  Get advice from you PCP (primary care) on how often to have a full heart exam.

SVT is very common and while a HR of 214 is rather high, it isn't way out of range for someone your age so long as it doesn't "stay" there, or repeat on intervals less than years.

Get positive and optimistic, that will help the most.  I'm sure you will be fine.

That's how I see it.