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Ventricular tachycardia?
Hi everyone.
Just to give a little background, two years ago I began suffering from frequent (6 - 8 per minute, every minute) PVCs. After a series of tests, including thyroid, full blood count, urine, several ECGs, two Echos, two 24 hour ECG monitors, a 24 hour BP monitor and a treadmill ECG, I was diagnosed as suffering from mild (14mm) LVH and unifocal PVCs (no PACs). My heart was also described as 'strong' so I assume my EF is acceptable, though I dont remember the exact figure. I have never smoked, and was not a heavy drinker, but became teetotal when these problems began. I am male, 5'6 and over 12st so recognise I need to lose weight. The LVH has been attributed to historically high BP, now < 130/80 with treatment.
The PVCs last for days at a time, then seem to switch off instantly for several days, then return for several more days, and so on. No discernable pattern or trigger. They suppress when I exercise which I am tild is a good sign. I have been assessed by a cardiologist who, during my last appointment, told me he wasn't concerned and to come back in a year. I am being treated with Beta Blockers which I seem to tolerate well enough, they dont stop the PVCs but they are less forceful.
What has brought me here is that I have also had two instances of unexplained tachycardia in the last year, plus one other occasion around 5 years ago. My pulse was usually around 90 - 100 bpm before I began treatment, now on beta blockers nearer 75 - 88 bpm. During the instances of tachycardia however I feel my pulse begin to increase steadily over a minute or two, to around 120 -150 bpm (estimate), which lasts for a few minutes, then eases down over 15 - 20 minutes to its usual post-treatment rate. There is no pain, though there is anxiety and the symptoms that go with that (a desire to breathe deeply, sweating etc).
One attack, seemingly out of the blue one morning around 10 am (though I recognise with hindsight it came after a period of stress) led to my being admitted to the ER at my request (a few hours after the event) - blood tests were normal, ECG normal (normal for me, PVCs were present). The consultant, having examined my medical history, said he did not feel there was any undue cause for concern and discharged me the same day.
The other attack (like the first one several years prior) happened upon waking in the early hours (2 - 3am) to visit the bathroom, which made me wonder whether it was some kind of wakening/adrenaline response. The two early morning attacks followed dining out the prior evening.
What I am trying to work out is whether these could have been instances of ventricular tachycardia or are likely to be something less dangerous (I have felt some ongoing anxiety since I was diagnosed with LVH). I don't know whether the more gradual onset and cessation is significant, I have read that supraventricular tacycardia often comes and goes quickly, but am less clear regarding ventricular tachycardia.
Any advice would be welcome.
Just to give a little background, two years ago I began suffering from frequent (6 - 8 per minute, every minute) PVCs. After a series of tests, including thyroid, full blood count, urine, several ECGs, two Echos, two 24 hour ECG monitors, a 24 hour BP monitor and a treadmill ECG, I was diagnosed as suffering from mild (14mm) LVH and unifocal PVCs (no PACs). My heart was also described as 'strong' so I assume my EF is acceptable, though I dont remember the exact figure. I have never smoked, and was not a heavy drinker, but became teetotal when these problems began. I am male, 5'6 and over 12st so recognise I need to lose weight. The LVH has been attributed to historically high BP, now < 130/80 with treatment.
The PVCs last for days at a time, then seem to switch off instantly for several days, then return for several more days, and so on. No discernable pattern or trigger. They suppress when I exercise which I am tild is a good sign. I have been assessed by a cardiologist who, during my last appointment, told me he wasn't concerned and to come back in a year. I am being treated with Beta Blockers which I seem to tolerate well enough, they dont stop the PVCs but they are less forceful.
What has brought me here is that I have also had two instances of unexplained tachycardia in the last year, plus one other occasion around 5 years ago. My pulse was usually around 90 - 100 bpm before I began treatment, now on beta blockers nearer 75 - 88 bpm. During the instances of tachycardia however I feel my pulse begin to increase steadily over a minute or two, to around 120 -150 bpm (estimate), which lasts for a few minutes, then eases down over 15 - 20 minutes to its usual post-treatment rate. There is no pain, though there is anxiety and the symptoms that go with that (a desire to breathe deeply, sweating etc).
One attack, seemingly out of the blue one morning around 10 am (though I recognise with hindsight it came after a period of stress) led to my being admitted to the ER at my request (a few hours after the event) - blood tests were normal, ECG normal (normal for me, PVCs were present). The consultant, having examined my medical history, said he did not feel there was any undue cause for concern and discharged me the same day.
The other attack (like the first one several years prior) happened upon waking in the early hours (2 - 3am) to visit the bathroom, which made me wonder whether it was some kind of wakening/adrenaline response. The two early morning attacks followed dining out the prior evening.
What I am trying to work out is whether these could have been instances of ventricular tachycardia or are likely to be something less dangerous (I have felt some ongoing anxiety since I was diagnosed with LVH). I don't know whether the more gradual onset and cessation is significant, I have read that supraventricular tacycardia often comes and goes quickly, but am less clear regarding ventricular tachycardia.
Any advice would be welcome.
Ventricular tachycardia also turns on and off like a switch. Sustained (>30 seconds) ventricular tachycardia is rare without heart disease. If the heart rate gradually increases and decreases and also varies some during the event, you can be very sure that it's sinus tachycardia.
I've experienced exactly the same as you. Usually it's a response to stress or anxiety, not an arrhythmia
I've experienced exactly the same as you. Usually it's a response to stress or anxiety, not an arrhythmia
1 Comments
Hi,
From where do you know that VT turns on and ofd like a switch? I've been looking on the internet to co firm that but did not find any info? Has this been confirmed by a cardiologist? Also, the heart rate during VT can fluctuate.
From where do you know that VT turns on and ofd like a switch? I've been looking on the internet to co firm that but did not find any info? Has this been confirmed by a cardiologist? Also, the heart rate during VT can fluctuate.
The hallmark of Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT) is that it starts and ceases on a dime; within a beat. It's a feeling that is unmistakable, and once you experience it, you'll always recognize it if it happens again.. SVT is also rather benign in the general population. SVT heart rates usually range from 160 to 240. VT or the shortened variety, NSVT feels like a rapid succession of PVC's. VT is usually associated with some underlying condition. This is a more serious condition.
SVT is usually hidden. An EKG will most likely show nothing unless the patient is in SVT of course. If you suspect either, you should see a physician for a correct diagnosis. A long term (or 30 day) monitor is a good device to catch these infrequent cardiac anomalies.
SVT is usually hidden. An EKG will most likely show nothing unless the patient is in SVT of course. If you suspect either, you should see a physician for a correct diagnosis. A long term (or 30 day) monitor is a good device to catch these infrequent cardiac anomalies.
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