Should I have an Ablation ?

I have posted on Patient UK before about my SVT's and finally I have seen a consultant. Even though I only have attacks 3/4 times a year my heart races at 216 pm and the attacks last up to four hours. My stomach hurts after and I am exhausted for about a week.

When I went to see the consultant he recommended that I should consider an Ablation even though my SVT's are so infrequent. I would value the opinion of anyone who has had the procedure.

Hi there u get episodes of ist n lots of palpitations I'm seeing an electro physiologist in June as my other cardio Dr said maybe electrical problem! But my friend who I work with in the hospital actually has wat u have and she collapsed at work but she had the ablation and has worked for her mine are frequently but I'd have t way up pros n cons as it is only 50% of success n in sum cases can make it worse its hard decision??

Hi

Like you my SVT used to range between 210 and 230 and aged 42 after 10 years of between 1-4 bouts a year, I decided to have it ablated Nov 14.

Why? My consultant said and it was true that my SVT was increasing in frequency and severity. In the last 12 months leading to the ablation I was getting it every other month.

I can't recommend it highly enough. I have gone now nearly 5 months without a single episode and I wouldn't of changed my mind now I've been through it.

It's up to 2 hours, mine was a little over, the the team you will have make you feel completely in control and your in the best hands. They will find your type of SVT, mine was AVNRT, a common one, they then ablate it.

I took a week off work, but I could of done with another really as it leaves you quite fatigued. Nothing heavy you just need to sit still and rest - I hate not bring on the go.

I would go for it. Yes there is a small risk that you will needing pacing, but check your consultants success rates and don't let it put you off. The worst case scenario isn't going to stop you doing anything and it doesn't happen often.

Good luck

Chris

Thank you for your reply. Belive it or not I have just come back from hospital where adenosine was given to me. I started at 6.30 am, turning over in bed as usual so i took flecainide. Once again this didn't work for me. After 7 hours I had to go to A&E. Other times I have taken bisoprolol and never needed to go to hospital. The attacks usually stop anytime up to three hours. My family all want me to go to the consultant in Leeds. I had one in november then end january and now end of March, a bit like yours. I only had 3 all 2014 though but they do seem to be changing pattern.

Thanks for your reassurance.

I hate adenosine, I've had it a few times but remember the feeling all to well.

Your triggers sound the same as mine, rolling over in bed accounted for probably 80% of mine. Bending awkwardly or quickly, 24/48 hours after too many beers and tiredness.

Flecanide never worked for me either, but mine used to only last a maximum of 1 hour. I can't imagine 6 hours of SVT.

Don't hesitate, get in there and get it ablated, you'll never look back.

All the very best

Chris

Hi

I've just read the post above and ablation for AVNRT (SVT) is over 95% successful. The lower percentages are for AF and that's not you.

I just wanted to add that.

Chris

I think you've sold me on it already Chris. Thanks.

Hello there, Just wondered whether you had the ablation.I am trying to decide also as I have AVNRT. This is all new to me as I started this nonsense about a month ago. My cardiologist says success is 95% I hate the Bisoprolol that I am taking. I am a 60 yeaar old female living in Canada

Hope all is well for you. Appreciate your thoughts

I had the op in November and so far no svt. I wouldn't hesitate to have it. Good luck.

May I ask what SVT you had?

Superventricular Tachycardia. I would have attacks of racing heart at 220 per minute usually in bed around 5 oclock in the morning. Sometimes they would last 4 hours and I would have to go to hospital.

Were you on any medication prior, and did you get any palps/flutters through the day?

Hey there! I had svt, im 28 year old female from Canada, I had an ablation done. Needless to say I was terrified before my procedure, but i had such frequent attacks I knew it was the right choice, i was awake the whole time during the procedure, it was scary but time flies and your in recovery before you know it. Lots of skipped beats the first week after, but its been over a month now, svt free and feeling normal. I was getting episodes once a week before. WORTH IT, DO IT, LOW RISK!!! YOUR LIFE WILL BE SO MUCH BETTER!!!!!!!

Hey! i live in Canada as well, I had an ablation on FEB 12th, best decision of my life. Fast recovery and very worth it. You will feel like your old self again and not have to worry about your heart! do it. Its worth it. trust me smile

I was having them quite infrequently at first so I wouldnt take meds only when I was having an attack. Bisoprolol worked to a dgree and I was given Flecainide I think it was called but that didn't work at all. Then I asked to see a consultant and he said'why put up with them at all?'. While I was waiting for my op I had five attacks in 6 weeks and 3 of them were whilst on holiday abroad. I am 64 and after the third of these I felt exhausted. I was so glad to have the ablation.

Hello there,

I am also in Canada and am 64 yrs old. I have only had 2 bouts that were in Feb out of the blue. I am on bisoprolol 2.5mg. It keeps my heart rate low but lots of side effects. Just trying to make my mind up for the ablation. The specialist said I had AVNRT. So scary to think about. For the last week or so I have had fluttering alot. Guess they are palps but have had some stomach issues to so think maybe my vagas nerve is involved. have any words of wisdom for me?

You mentioned you had your ablation Feb.12. That was the day of my first svt. You must have given them to me haha. Can I ask where you had yours done.

I have also thought that minw was stomach related. After an attacfk my stomagh was awful for days. Have the ablation. By the way, I had mine in Leeds General Infirmary on the NHS.