Seriously.. please take me seriously!
For over ten years I have had 'attacks' of SVT. Throughout my childhood and teen years, I would experience periods of arrhythmia, had pneumonia several times and was often sickly. No one ever took me seriously about my heart. I'm now 29 and my SVT lasts about 3 hours at 250-300 bmp. I have been informed that I am "Too young..." and a hypochondriac.
An episode was at last caught on an EKG after ten years of being dismissed. AV Nodal re entrant SVT.
More tests ensued, MRI, MRA, Echo, Doppler. Told I have a common carotid malformation, no neck rubbing. Shipped out of the ED with a rx for Metroprolol and no idea what to do. I just stated a new job, in a new area. No benefits until October. More than slightly worried.
History of illegal drug use in teen years. Cocaine overdose at 17. No drug abuse since.
Gender: Female
How tall are you (feet and inches)?: 5'6"
What is your weight in pounds?: 180
How old are you?: 29
How long has this been going on?: More than a year
Check all symptoms you are currently experiencing:
Bruising or Bleeding
Describe associated symptoms not listed above: Bruise ridiculously easy. Iron and potassium always deficient on blood work.
What have you done so far to remedy this condition? Please include tests and relevant studies here.
I have not begun the beta blocker. I take fluxetine and xanax for severe anxiety and read there could be an interaction.
Please list any chronic medical problems and also list any prior surgery (lacerations don't count!): Anxiety, ADHD, Psoriatic Arthritis, Migraines
Two C-Sections
Cholecystectomy
Check all conditions present in your immediate family... :
Asthma / Lung Problems
Cancer
History of Back Pain
Please list any medication allergies that you have : : Latex
Please list any medications you are currently taking (and dosage if known) :: fluxetine 60mg po in a.m.
Xanax 1mg - 5x a day
When was your last menstrual cycle?: 2 weeks ago
Are you currently using or do you have a history of tobacco use?: Yes
Are you currently using or do you have a history of illegal drug use?: Yes
Please describe your alcohol consumption :: Rarely
HOW QUICKLY DO YOU NEED THIS TO BE ANSWERED?: As soon as possible
This is something that has been getting more severe over time. Can it wait a few more months?
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I'm confused by your question ma'am. It seems that you have problems with anxiety that can mimick an attack of SVT, but now you have an EKG which proves that you do have it.
From the ER you would have been advised to seek the care of a cardiologist. In particular, you need to see an electrophysiologist. They can, usually, cure, permanently, your SVT with something called a 'cardiac ablation procedure'.
I have no idea what to make of the comments that you are 'too young' and 'a hypochondriac'.
As to the metoprolol I do not understand why you are not taking it. The interaction is that while being on the other medicine you are on the dose you need may be lower than that for most, but metoprolol can prevent the episodes of SVT. Smoking, of course, is a risk factor for heart attack and you should stop.
It is time, now, to call and make an appointment with a cardiologist. While your SVT is likely okay to follow over time, a one time capture of the rhythm in the ER is lucky, but is also crying out for expert intervention at this time, namely that of a cardiologist. And one very important thing, when you go see the cardiologist, take a copy of the EKG. Scan it, make ten copies, don't ever lose that EKG... it is very important indeed.
2 comments:
Thank you. I've been to several cardiologists and that is where I have been told I am too young and a hypochondriac. Hopefully I will find a good one in this new area.
Dear AVNRT:
I agree with MEDSTAT DOC 1 that cardio-ablation can cure 90+ percent of this arrythmia.
This is an arrythmia that is often seen in children abd is very common in adults. It can be annoying and anxiety-provoking, but not life threatening.
Sometimes it can be halted by performing a Valsalva manuever---keeping your mouth closed and your nose closed and try to exhale --this increases the pressure inside the chest and sometimes will halt the tachycardia.
Definitely you should get going on the beta blocker.
The fluoxetine can interact with other meds, but the ones most often seen that could be harmful are with tramadol (ultram) or the triptans (meds that are taken for migraines).
Cigarette smoking, in addition to causing coronary artery poblems, can be an irritant that can precipitate arrythmias. Should definitely stop smoking!
Cocaine use can cause arrythmias (in addition to causing sudden death). I am not sure if there would still be any affects on the heart aftr this period of time since age 17.
Low potassium levels are often associated with arrythmias. The easy bruising needs to be looked at carefully 'though may not be related to the AVNRT.
Gettiing on the metoprolal and doing the best you can at getting off the cigarettes should get you through until October when your benefits kick in and you can consult with a cardiologist that can talk over all the possible approaches to the AVNRT especially talking over the possibility of the ablation procedure.
Good Luck! Would love to hear how it all tuns out.
Space Doc
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