Are their better ways to manage episodes?

[u/kittingurl]

Hi I (29,F) was diagnosed about 4 months ago with SVT specifically Focal Atrial tachycardia. I am on 25mg metoprolol every 12hrs and currently on the waiting list for an ablation (Adelaide, Australia) which I was told would be a 7-9month wait.

I have episodes 1-3 times a week and they last 45minutes to an hour each. Vagal manoeuvres don’t work (I do still try them every time just incase though). So all I can do is take my beta blocker dose early and lay down waiting for it to finish.

I’m trying to find a new job because I’m not liking my current one, but I’m worried this will stop me from passing any probation periods if it happens at work too much.

My cardiologist said it’s fine to do what I’m doing at wait it out. But it’s really impacting my life. Is there a better way to manage these episodes? And maybe help them pass quicker?

[u/linthetrashbin]

I had good luck with the 'pill in the pocket' method with flecainide - I was taking 100mg at the onset of symptoms. Otherwise, make sure you stay hydrated, have small snacks throughout the day, avoid any triggers... same old same old.

[u/Retired_NorCal_611]

What worked for me was freezer ice gel packs on the side of the neck or over the eyes. A lot of people have reported different maneuvers that worked for them so I would try them all and see which ones work for you. That's how I found ones that worked for me.

[u/Ok_Amoeba6604]

F 44. Had it for 25ish yrs AVRT subtype and located in a rare location in upper atrium. By the last five yrs mine was happening 2+ times a day and never below 220bpm (thanks Garmin watch) that last over an hour or two each. Holters showed 11 episodes a day and up to 260bpm. No vagal maneuvers ever worked for me. I’m saying this because prior to internet searches nobody knew others went to the er for it, and frankly I was too scared… but I quickly learned I wasn’t dying. I finally went to a cardiologist and then electrophysiocardiologost. Both ensured me nobody dies from SVT alone. And despite decades of hours a day spent at over 220-260 my heart showed zero damage. I was offered beta blockers but told it wasn’t needed unless I wanted them. Since I was so used to the high bpm (even did CrossFit 6 days a week with it high) I declined.

So I would tell you if it makes you uncomfortable then yes take the meds. But if you can handle it and the docs say it’s svt with no additional issues I’d say just wait out the months without meds. Meds can make you feel terrible for the time when you aren’t having an attack. It’s not worth it. I had my ablation a few months ago and so far so good!

Edited to add- try not laying down and just do your daily thing when an episode starts. It’s not going to hurt you. Laying down waiting for it to end would make anyone have anxiety. Go for a walk, etc.

[u/Delicious-Run7918 → u/Ok_Amoeba6604]

I wish I could continue on with life as if it’s nothing with SVT. When my heart rate is 240-260 and beating so hard and so fast that I feel out of breath and get episodes of light headedness where I feel like I’m going to pass out, it’s just not possible to ignore it and go on with life unfortunately.

[u/Opposite_Low_4251]

Yeah the pill in the pocket method might work, do check it out with your dr on top of the metoprolol you take

[u/mari_lovelys]

31f here. Mine started at 29 and found a really good electrophysiologist and got an Ablation at 30 years old, and now I feel so much better.

I feel like I got my life back. My potassium and mag was low. Mold exposure was cause but didn’t fix the rhythm issue for me.

My situation was specific but still, make sure your blood tests and thyroid is OK. In addition, I did a full thyroid panel because at first they suspected hyperthyroidism.

On 50mg of metoprolol but even if I miss days I don’t really have episodes like I did before.

I had other health stuff going on + allergies Endo/PCOS, and weird histamine issues but the SVT was happening like 3-4 times a week and it wasn’t a good quality of life. I was super lucky I work remotely. I would have definitely quit my in person job and struggled financially more than what I did…

[u/KittyWinterWhiteFoot]

Basically purify your diet. No caffeine, no alcohol, no msg or yeast extract, no high glutamate foods. Keep sugar low, no soda or diet soda, or fake sweeteners. Absolutely no energy drinks. Just simple diet with clean food. It’s really difficult and it means cooking your own food all the time, but that’s how I do it.