My recorded V-tach runs were not too long either. However, non sustained and sustained v-tach is determined by how many beats in a row you have. I think anything under 30 is considered non sustained if I recall. My sustained v-tach was much longer than that.
I too totally disagree with stevie_wonder. My bracelet helped. And I did not have to have an ICD implanted. I opted for the ablation process. My ablation was in January 08, and I have been in NSR ever since. No episodes of a-fib, flutter or the v-tach. Like I said earlier, if you are on any heart meds or blood thinning meds, you need to carry some kind of alert product, either a bracelet, necklace.
Im not going to get one because I have NSVT and if for some reason it turns into sustained VT and then moves to VFIB I am pretty much gone anyways. Without cardio version in under 3 minutes Its pretty much lights out. The chances that the ambulance gets to me in time is pretty slim
My recorded cases of VT have been short run. I am sure my worst cases so far (recorded or not) are nothing more than 30 seconds or so, but it is disorienting when it is going on and is unnerving. When I am under physical stress (from distance running), it can start up without warning when I am at rest. The EP I spoke to told me that I was at lower risk than many people, but that I was at some risk. Neither one of us believes an ICD is appropriate. However, I moved and will need to locate a new EP. I am also going to look into the medic alert bracelet. Thank you all for your help!!
stevie_wonder, That was a *huge* leap to the conclusion you arrived at :-) Twinbee had her VT corrected.
Bromley, yes go get yourself a medical bracelet if you think you need it. You can get them online.
Sorry to be blunt... but if you are having sustained VT a bracelet isn't going to save your life. You need to find a new EP pronto... documented sustained VT without a reversible cause is a Class Ia indication for an ICD.
Medic Alert is probably the best bracelet out there with an available 24 hour line that paramedics have access to with all your information including medications, medical conditions and your doctors contact info as well.
I suffered from a-fib, a-flutter, and occasional sustained V-tach. I did wear a medical alert bracelet. That was one of the first things my EP told me to do, was to go out and get one. My condition was on the bracelet, along with my meds. I think it is a good idea to have one, especially if you are on any kind of blood thinner meds.
ksig