SVT and pacemaker

This past year I was diagnosed with supraventricular tachycardia.  My pacemaker was implanted in 2016  due to sinus node disease.  My Electrophysiologist won't even speak of an ablation.  Has anyone a similar situation?


3 Comments

SVT (supraventricular tachycardia)

by Gemita - 2024-05-21 11:20:26

Heartfelt, we have previously spoken about atrial tachy arrhythmias like supraventicular tachycardia (SVT). You will know what you can and cannot tolerate. If you are really symptomatic and your quality of life is miserable because of SVT, then in my opinion you have nothing to lose from having an ablation and the ablation might even give you a long period of respite from your SVT or any other atrial tachyarrhythmia that is present and causing symptoms?  If you get no joy from your present EP, I would consider getting a second opinion.  Even in the UK a catheter ablation is offered quite readily now sometimes as a first line treatment, providing the patient is symptomatic.

I haven’t looked up your history, so I cannot recall whether you ever took anti arrhythmic or rate control meds like a beta or calcium channel blocker to try to control your heart rate/rhythm or to calm your SVT?   SVT can sometimes be easily stopped by catheter ablation, depending on the actual atrial tachy arrhythmia you are getting?

My Atrial Fibrillation is well controlled and I have no desire at present to have an ablation, although this could change in the future.  My doctor continues to offer me one at any time I feel things are getting worse.  How often do you suffer from SVT and is your heart rate controlled with meds?  Also are you on any anticoagulation to protect from a stroke if you have risk factors?  Stroke protection and control of heart rate are the two most important factors to consider and providing the patient is not too symptomatic, doctors are usually happy to leave well alone in many cases once the heart rate is well controlled and stroke risks are addressed.

Arrhythmias are miserable and I do know what you are facing.  It is horrible to have to face these treatments, all of which are unpalatable.  I hope you find some relief soon Heartfelt.    

SVT and ablation

by AgentX86 - 2024-05-21 14:46:17

Whether and ablation makes sense depends on what the SVT is.  "SVT" just means that the tachycardia originates in the atria.  It could be any number if issues, including Afib, Aflutter, an extra pathway from the atria to the venticles, a re-entrant loop around the AV node, or a lot of other defects. "SVT" is just a catch-all term, meaning that it's not Vtach.  Vtach is extremely serious.  It can lead to Vfib, which often ends up as the fish-hook (end of the line). SVT is far less severe and can easily be treated, if not eliminated. The biggest problem is whether the individual is symptomatic. It becomes a quality of life issue.

In your case, and I am certainly not a doctor and don't even play one on the TeeVee, it's quite possible that it's related to your SSS.  SSS and tachycardia often go together.  It's called "tachy-Brady" syndrome.  The SI node is diseased and can't decide whether it's going to go fast, go slow, or not go.  A pacemaker can deal with two of these but it can't slow the heart down. Usually drugs are used to slow the heart and the pacemaker takes over if it's slowed too much.

If it is tachy-Brady, an ablation isn't going to help unless they're going to destroy the SI node. This is possible but I've never heard of it being done on purpose (sometimes there is an "oops" during an ablation). Because I've never heard if it, doesn't mean it's not done.

If you're really interested in an ablation, ask questions.  What, exactly, is the SVT? Why disn't an ablation a reasonable alternative?

 

 

Ablations and Ablations. SVTs and SVTs

by Selwyn - 2024-05-22 13:41:40

Let's start with SVTs ( supraventricular tachycardia)

Causes:

Atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT). This is the most common type of supraventricular tachycardia.
Atrioventricular reciprocating tachycardia (AVRT). This is the second most common type of supraventricular tachycardia. It's most commonly seen in younger people.
Atrial tachycardia. This type of SVT is more commonly seen in people who have heart disease. Atrial tachycardia doesn't involve the AV node.
Other types of supraventricular tachycardia include:

Sinus nodal reentrant tachycardia (SNRT).
Inappropriate sinus tachycardia (IST).
Multifocal atrial tachycardia (MAT).
Junctional ectopic tachycardia (JET).
Nonparoxysmal junctional tachycardia (NPJT).

I think more information about your SVTs is required to answer your question.

Now lets talk about ablations ( I have had 4).

For atrial flutter, atrial fibrillation, SVTs  ( as above), A-V node, ventricular tachycardia, accessory bundles  etc.

I think more information is needed is required to answer your question.

 

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