Tachycardia Concerns!

[Intandem]

I have been diagnosed with Supraventricular Tachycardia along with a sinus arrhythmia. This is a result of negligence on my part and not watching what substances I put into my body.

I am only 21 but experience SVT (or PSVT?) on a weekly or bi-weekly basis, depending. I'm not quite sure what triggers my SVT but it is quite nerve racking. I experience chest-discomfort on a daily basis and also find it difficult to catch a full breath, although I do if I try yawning a few times.

I have quit smoking cigarettes, marijuana, drinking alcohol, and partaking in other substances (stimulants) for over 2 months now.

I am quite frightened, to the point where I am afraid to go for walks as the last episode was triggered going for a brisk walk after returning from seeing my doctor who gave me my diagnosis. I sometimes feel a light sensation in or around my heart area, a butterfly sensation along with a light discomfort when I breath at times (although this may be in my head?).

I have been prescribed Teva-Dilitizem, taking one 30mg tablet daily. I have been on it for only a few days now but do not notice any effects as of yet.

I am concerned about my health and whether or not I am in imminent danger, especially whilst exercising. I've had 2 ekgs performed as well as an echocardiogram and they've all returned positive results except for the sinus arrhythmia and SVT that a holter monitor picked up (heart rate shot up to 170). I believe my cardiologist also said my left ventricle is slightly enlarged but that could be due to stress.

These palpitations are driving me crazy and I am paralyzed by fear in not knowing when the next episode of SVT will occur. So now I don't move anymore than I have to.

My main inquiry is how much danger am I in? Is it safe to exercise (mainly walking) with SVT? Even when I experience SVT whilst walking at times?  If my echo came out fine but I still have SVT/tachycardia, does that mean my heart is healthy and can take the palpitations/SVT without risk of sudden death or atrial fibrillation/ventricular tachycardia? Do you recommend that I exercise anyway and that it is safe to do so? My doctor told me exercise is good for the heart and to cut down if I experience palpitations. Well that same day while walking I had an episode and sat down to get my heart rate down while trying to take deep breaths and not panic. I hate this!!! Anyhow, I am hoping for a 2nd opinion from someone who may have an idea of what I am going through! Thanks!

[Intandem]

She said it could be caused by stress and that it is mild. I have been scheduled for a chest/lung x-ray this monday. My doctor is also sending my results up to the University of London cardiology center seeking a second opinion. However she is confident that both exams will return fine and is not too worried about my condition.

Should I be worried about a slight left atrial enlargement? Is she wrong in her diagnosis? Why would she tell me I have nothing to worry about if there wasn't anything to worry about? I believe she is a good doctor.

[grendslori]

So why is your left atrium enlarged???

[Intandem]

mild left atrial enlargement  oops, I misheard the Doctor when I went in for my assessment. So my left ventricle is not enlarged, such a relief. She called me back today and reread the results from my echocardiogram.

[Intandem]

Well she is sending my reports into the London University Cardiology center which is the best in Canada, for a second opinion. Is 3-6 months too long to wait? I called her yesterday and she said she didn't send them yet, I called her again today and left her a message, hopefully she gets back to me!

[grendslori]

I hate to say this, but right now I am so ticked off with the way you are being treated, I can't believe it.

Here's a peice of advice for you: Ask your doctor this question:

"If I have any kind of issue with my left ventrical, which is the primary beating chamber of my heart and I have an SVT attack, is my left ventrical going to be able to handle trying to keep up with the SVT?"

I would love to be a fly on the wall to watch your doctor's jaw hit the floor as well as loving to hear what she has to say in response!!

You are just 21 years old, it is not fair to you to be blown off this way!

[grendslori]

A normal BP is 120/80. That is the relaxed normal BP. If you are at the doctor's office the bp you had would be perfectly normal. Usually they look more at the lower reading, than the higher. The top number is the systolic reading, the lowere is the diastolic reading. If the lower number is higher than 90, then they might consider you having High Blood Pressure. If your BP is normal all the time and you are not being trated for HBP, and there is any kind of issue with the left ventricle being enlarged in any way, you NEED to get that checked out! There could be a genetic component there that needs to be looked into. If there is nothing to worry about "right now" exactly when does she start to worry about it??? I seriously think you need to find another doctor who will take this a bit more seriously. At least get a second opinion from a good cardiologist, preferrably one who is at a large University Hospital where they are much more apt to see patients with these kinds of issues.