Effects of aging Part 2

[O2Bfree]

^ That's what my SVT felt like, like I wasn't getting enough blood to my brain because my heart was beating too fast. The episodes would often strike when I was biking or in the gym. For some reason, if I was doing a cardio-type exercise, I'd just feel tired and heavy. I'd usually tough it out knowing that my heart would snap back to a normal rhythm within 30-40 seconds. But if an episode hit after a set while weight training or at some other time, I'd often start feeling faint and sometimes out of breath. These episodes seemed to last longer. Sometimes the valsalva maneuver helped. Since having my SVT treated, I've heard about a modified maneuver that may be more effective:

The REVERT Trial: A Modified Valsalva Maneuver to Convert SVT - R.E.B.E.L. EM - Emergency Medicine Blog

"In patients with cardiovascularly stable supraventricular tachycardia (SVT), the valsalva maneuver is recommended as an initial maneuver to help with cardioversion. The success rate of the valsalva maneuver alone is documented at 5 – 20%. The next option for patients who still remain in SVT is intravenous adenosine. Adenosine briefly stops all conduction through the AV node, which causes patients to feel a sense of doom or like they are about to die. Increasing venous return and vagal stimulation by laying patients supine and elevating their legs may increase the rate of conversion and is simple, safe, and cost effective."

 

[aja8888]

O2Bfree, if you don't mind me asking, how was your SVT treated?

I won't be seeing my doc until the 30th and I ma looking for real life examples of this stuff.

Thanks!

 

[O2Bfree]

O2Bfree, if you don't mind me asking, how was your SVT treated?

I won't be seeing my doc until the 30th and I ma looking for real life examples of this stuff.

Thanks!

My SVT was caused by an extra electrical circuit in my heart. The treatment was a cardiac ablation, where an electrophysiologist uses a radio frequency probe inserted up through the femoral artery to cauterize the loopback pathway. Amazingly, they do this while you're awake, and you go home the same day. The discomfort was minimal. It was actually pretty cool, the technology is incredible!

You do have to lie flat on your back for four hours or so afterwards so the incisions in your femoral artery can close up. The only restriction after that is no heavy lifting or exercise for a week to make sure the incisions don't start bleeding.

The only catch for me was I had to have the procedure done twice because the EP couldn't locate all of the extra circuit the first time. Apparently I was having a "quiet heart" day. He got some of it though, because I didn't have an episode for a year. My second ablation was last year in July, and when he probed the right spot during the study portion of the procedure, Bingo! my heart took off right away. So he knew exactly where to burn. I haven't had an episode since.

 

[aja8888]

My SVT was caused by an extra electrical circuit in my heart. The treatment was a cardiac ablation, where an electrophysiologist uses a radio frequency probe inserted up through the femoral artery to cauterize the loopback pathway. Amazingly, they do this while you're awake, and you go home the same day. The discomfort was minimal. It was actually pretty cool, the technology is incredible!

You do have to lie flat on your back for four hours or so afterwards so the incisions in your femoral artery can close up. The only restriction after that is no heavy lifting or exercise for a week to make sure the incisions don't start bleeding.

The only catch for me was I had to have the procedure done twice because the EP couldn't locate all of the extra circuit the first time. Apparently I was having a "quiet heart" day. He got some of it though, because I didn't have an episode for a year. My second ablation was last year in July, and when he probed the right spot during the study portion of the procedure, Bingo! my heart took off right away. So he knew exactly where to burn. I haven't had an episode since.

Thanks, that's probably what I am looking at.

 

[Alan]

My SVT was caused by an extra electrical circuit in my heart. The treatment was a cardiac ablation, where an electrophysiologist uses a radio frequency probe inserted up through the femoral artery to cauterize the loopback pathway. Amazingly, they do this while you're awake, and you go home the same day. The discomfort was minimal. It was actually pretty cool, the technology is incredible!

You do have to lie flat on your back for four hours or so afterwards so the incisions in your femoral artery can close up. The only restriction after that is no heavy lifting or exercise for a week to make sure the incisions don't start bleeding.

The only catch for me was I had to have the procedure done twice because the EP couldn't locate all of the extra circuit the first time. Apparently I was having a "quiet heart" day. He got some of it though, because I didn't have an episode for a year. My second ablation was last year in July, and when he probed the right spot during the study portion of the procedure, Bingo! my heart took off right away. So he knew exactly where to burn. I haven't had an episode since.

I had something similar done a week ago for my AFib. Your description sounds exactly the same as the procedure I went through. (Except cryo rather than RF). I did ask the doctor if they could change the discharge letter to say no heavy lifting for 2 weeks because the grass would need a last cut of the season and I was hoping my wife would do it.

 

[aja8888]

So what do you do while laying flat on your back for four hours (I'm not liking that)? Read a book?

 

[Alan]

So what do you do while laying flat on your back for four hours (I'm not liking that)? Read a book?

I listened to an audio book and also podcasts. After a couple of hours they raised the bed a little so I was at an angle to be able to eat and drink.

 

[aja8888]

I listened to an audio book and also podcasts. After a couple of hours they raised the bed a little so I was at an angle to be able to eat and drink.

Ok, that's not too bad. I envisioned staring at the ceiling.

 

[O2Bfree]

So what do you do while laying flat on your back for four hours (I'm not liking that)? Read a book?

My first priority was getting my coffee fix, since they said nothing to eat or drink before the procedure. Had to drink it through a straw but that was ok. There was also TV to watch, and some napping to do later.

 

[jabbahop]

I’ve had SVT for about 4 years since it was first diagnosed. My trigger is pretty common - intense exercise (cycling for me) followed by a lull in intensity - going up a hill and then easing up @ crest.

Mine will typically jump from 140-150 bpm to 210-220. They last for 1-5 minutes but always resolve themselves and have no dizziness, etc.

My cardiologist & electrophysiologist have both taken a look (I have an embedded heart recorder which captures the events and then uploads via cell service to doc) of multiple episodes and they have recommended I just watch and wait. When/if they get too frequent or symptomatic, I can go the ablation route.

So far I have avoided that route. I have probably 30-50 episodes a year.

Good luck.

 

[aja8888]

I’ve had SVT for about 4 years since it was first diagnosed. My trigger is pretty common - intense exercise (cycling for me) followed by a lull in intensity - going up a hill and then easing up @ crest.

Mine will typically jump from 140-150 bpm to 210-220. They last for 1-5 minutes but always resolve themselves and have no dizziness, etc.

My cardiologist & electrophysiologist have both taken a look (I have an embedded heart recorder which captures the events and then uploads via cell service to doc) of multiple episodes and they have recommended I just watch and wait. When/if they get too frequent or symptomatic, I can go the ablation route.

So far I have avoided that route. I have probably 30-50 episodes a year.

Good luck.

Thanks. I'm still trying to figure out what the trigger(s) are for me. I have had three incidents in a row during mildly strenuous walking over 2 - 3 miles. And then not have that repeat for three weeks in a row. Another time or two was when I was raking leaves and doing easy yard work. It seems like heat has a factor, but I can't be positive of that.

At 75 years old, I'm wondering if age has some effect, even though I am in pretty good physical condition with great blood work.

I seem to be able to shut off the incident in a few minutes of concentrated effort at a relaxed position.

Thanks for all the great replies and personal situations. It gives me a better perspective for when I meet with the Doc on the 30th.

 

[O2Bfree]

I’ve had SVT for about 4 years since it was first diagnosed. My trigger is pretty common - intense exercise (cycling for me) followed by a lull in intensity - going up a hill and then easing up @ crest.

How old were you when you had your first episode?

I had a couple sometime in my early 40s, then nothing for at least 10 years. They really came on in middle-age.

 

[Rianne]

I'm 61 and this thread scared me. I will never give up exercise and eating right. I swim 2-3 times a week, tread water for muscle strength and walk the dog twice a day. I lift heavy things and dance. I weigh myself everyday, stay away from meat, for the most part. Not a vegetarian. My BP below 120/80 everyday. Dehydration is more dangerous than most think. I have polycystic kidney disease. My nephrologist stresses exercise and eating right, every time I see him. Stroke, heart conditions, kidney failure are more prevalent with my condition. He said I can live to 90 if I follow low salt, low fat/sugar, lots of fiber. I cannot take NSAIDS at all. No aspirin, ibuprofen anything in that category. So pain is pain, I have to deal with it. It's a B__ch getting old, but staying young in older years makes FIRE so much easier.

 

[aja8888]

I'm 61 and this thread scared me. I will never give up exercise and eating right. I swim 2-3 times a week, tread water for muscle strength and walk the dog twice a day. I lift heavy things and dance. I weigh myself everyday, stay away from meat, for the most part. Not a vegetarian. My BP below 120/80 everyday. Dehydration is more dangerous than most think. I have polycystic kidney disease. My nephrologist stresses exercise and eating right, every time I see him. Stroke, heart conditions, kidney failure are more prevalent with my condition. He said I can live to 90 if I follow low salt, low fat/sugar, lots of fiber. I cannot take NSAIDS at all. No aspirin, ibuprofen anything in that category. So pain is pain, I have to deal with it. It's a B__ch getting old, but staying young in older years makes FIRE so much easier.

Well, good for you!

This thread is not about giving up exercise or eating right. I have done neither and all of a sudden, this SVT showed up. And I am 14 years your senior.

After doing some research on SVT, I find it's common in much younger people. Actually, people in their 20's and not associated with obesity, poor diet or lack of exercise.

 

[jabbahop]

How old were you when you had your first episode?

I had a couple sometime in my early 40s, then nothing for at least 10 years. They really came on in middle-age.

I was mid 50’s when diagnosed. I looked back on my heart rate monitor data from cycling and I was having them for at least another 4 years so early 50’s is my guess when they started.

 

[O2Bfree]

I'm 61 and this thread scared me. I will never give up exercise and eating right. I swim 2-3 times a week, tread water for muscle strength and walk the dog twice a day. I lift heavy things and dance. I weigh myself everyday, stay away from meat, for the most part. Not a vegetarian. My BP below 120/80 everyday. Dehydration is more dangerous than most think. I have polycystic kidney disease. My nephrologist stresses exercise and eating right, every time I see him. Stroke, heart conditions, kidney failure are more prevalent with my condition. He said I can live to 90 if I follow low salt, low fat/sugar, lots of fiber. I cannot take NSAIDS at all. No aspirin, ibuprofen anything in that category. So pain is pain, I have to deal with it. It's a B__ch getting old, but staying young in older years makes FIRE so much easier.

SVT often has congenital causes, as in my case, that exercise and diet won't fix. I'm 56 and have always been active, BP typically in the 110/65 range, resting pulse in the 50s, on no meds. All fine, except that accessory pathway in my heart, which I'd apparently had my whole life.

Yeah, it can be scary knowing that diet and exercise doesn't always keep health problems away. When I was diagnosed I was like, "A heart problem?? Whhaaaat!!!"

 

[Walt34]

I did ask the doctor if they could change the discharge letter to say no heavy lifting for 2 weeks because the grass would need a last cut of the season and I was hoping my wife would do it.

So... did he do it? And did your wife buy the story?

 

[Alan]

So... did he do it? And did your wife buy the story?

Unfortunately not . Not NHS policy to lie to the spouse apparently.

 

[RAE]

After doing some research on SVT, I find it's common in much younger people. Actually, people in their 20's and not associated with obesity, poor diet or lack of exercise.

Just out of curiosity, did you ever meet with a urologist to discuss alternatives to tamsulosin, and whether it's possible the tamsulosin could be causing some of your symptoms (including the SVT)? As someone else said earlier, there are alternative drugs for BPH that you may want to consider trying, to see if doing that helps relieve some of the symptoms you are experiencing. If I were in your situation, that is the first thing I would do, before having a cardiologist prescribe a drug for the SVT, or anything along those lines. I'm not a doctor, but I find it hard to believe that the sudden onset of the symptoms you described earlier (dizziness, fainting, rapid heartbeat) could be simply due to aging - especially since you are in good health otherwise. I may have sent this link earlier, but you can see that the possible side effects from tamulosin can include "fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat or pulse", in addition to dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting.

https://www.drugs.com/sfx/flomax-side-effects.html

Sorry if I am repeating myself here, but I think sometimes doctors are slow to recognize that the meds they prescribe may be having some serious side effects. I have a friend who spent years going to different specialists trying to solve a heart issue he was having, that eventually turned out to be caused by a blood pressure med. he had been taking all along (and that most docs advised him to continue taking). Once he finally switched to a different blood pressure med., the problem went away.

 

[aja8888]

Just out of curiosity, did you ever meet with a urologist to discuss alternatives to tamsulosin, and whether it's possible the tamsulosin could be causing some of your symptoms (including the SVT)? As someone else said earlier, there are alternative drugs for BPH that you may want to consider trying, to see if doing that helps relieve some of the symptoms you are experiencing. If I were in your situation, that is the first thing I would do, before having a cardiologist prescribe a drug for the SVT, or anything along those lines. I'm not a doctor, but I find it hard to believe that the sudden onset of the symptoms you described earlier (dizziness, fainting, rapid heartbeat) could be simply due to aging - especially since you are in good health otherwise. I may have sent this link earlier, but you can see that the possible side effects from tamulosin can include "fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat or pulse", in addition to dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting.

https://www.drugs.com/sfx/flomax-side-effects.html

Sorry if I am repeating myself here, but I think sometimes doctors are slow to recognize that the meds they prescribe may be having some serious side effects. I have a friend who spent years going to different specialists trying to solve a heart issue he was having, that eventually turned out to be caused by a blood pressure med. he had been taking all along (and that most docs advised him to continue taking). Once he finally switched to a different blood pressure med., the problem went away.

Thanks for the information. To answer your question, i have not been to a urologist yet to discuss other possibilities instead of tamsulosin. I need to do that fairly quickly. I have been taking the tamsulosin for about two years now and none of the SVT symptoms have happened during that time except for the last two months. I really have not thought about the tamsulosin being a contributor since I have been taking it so long, but it's possible.

 

[RAE]

Thanks for the information. To answer your question, i have not been to a urologist yet to discuss other possibilities instead of tamsulosin. I need to do that fairly quickly. I have been taking the tamsulosin for about two years now and none of the SVT symptoms have happened during that time except for the last two months. I really have not thought about the tamsulosin being a contributor since I have been taking it so long, but it's possible.

It's possible to take a med for a while without experiencing side effects, and then have side effects become apparent later. Sometimes it takes a while to develop an intolerance to a drug. Here is an article about that:

https://www.washingtonpost.com/nati...ba379b809ab_story.html?utm_term=.032dc16b54d0

And just for info., here's an article about the various meds for BPH, and the advantages/disadvantages of each. Might be good to review this before seeing a urologist:

https://medshadow.org/your-meds/drugs-for-enlarged-prostates-prove-problematic/

Again, I don't know if the tamsulosin is causing your symptoms or not, but it sure seems prudent to rule out that possiblity before heading down another path. And my guess is that the cardiologist you are going to see is not going to know a whole lot about tamsulosin or its side effects.

 

[aja8888]

It's possible to take a med for a while without experiencing side effects, and then have side effects become apparent later. Sometimes it takes a while to develop an intolerance to a drug. Here is an article about that:

https://www.washingtonpost.com/nati...ba379b809ab_story.html?utm_term=.032dc16b54d0

And just for info., here's an article about the various meds for BPH, and the advantages/disadvantages of each. Might be good to review this before seeing a urologist:

https://medshadow.org/your-meds/drugs-for-enlarged-prostates-prove-problematic/

Again, I don't know if the tamsulosin is causing your symptoms or not, but it sure seems prudent to rule out that possiblity before heading down another path. And my guess is that the cardiologist you are going to see is not going to know a whole lot about tamsulosin or its side effects.

Thanks again! A lot to think about here. I'll review all of this and work up a discussion strategy for when I meet with my doc soon.

Tomorrow I am off the heart monitor and, over the last two weeks, I have been able to trigger two episodes of the symptoms. Doc wants me to schedule a stress test with him soon (waiting on a call to do that).

Being off the BP meds for a month or so has had no effect on me that I can tell. Actually, I feel much better, overall. And my average BP/pulse rate over that time is roughly 110/70/60 (resting). So the only prescribed med I continue to take is the tamsulosin. I still take a baby aspirin and Vitamin D each morning.

 

[Teacher Terry]

My BP medication stops working after a few years. Toprin caused me to be winded.

 

[aja8888]

I had my stress test this afternoon. On the treadmill, I went "the distance" and my heart rate was "normally" elevated. Until......As soon as I got off the treadmill and sat down, my heart rate jumped to 200 beats per minute. Looks like I triggered a "condition". Plus, my BP at that time was about 80 over 40.

The tech and a doc had quite a time getting my heart rate lower and my BP up. They finally stuck an IV in me and injected a fluid that eventually got everything about normal. I guess I sat and rested there for an hour though.

Well, the Doc will now have all the data: 16 days of the heart monitor, a scan of my carotid arteries, and this treadmill test and recordings. So we will see what he says on the 30th!

 

[Telly]

I had my stress test this afternoon. On the treadmill, I went "the distance" and my heart rate was "normally" elevated. Until......As soon as I got off the treadmill and sat down, my heart rate jumped to 200 beats per minute. Looks like I triggered a "condition". Plus, my BP at that time was about 80 over 40.

That's interesting.

After the extended heavy load section, was there a "cool down" period where you walked for a while, before getting off the treadmill? Or instead when the clock timed out, and the heavy load test was over, do you just stop and get off?

When I was in my early teens my doc heard a heart murmur. Sent to an old decaying inner city public hospital (what an awful place, old people lying in the narrow hallways on gurneys in bad shape, the wailing and the smell!) to see a heart specialist who never showed up. At the end of the day they grabbed a visiting heart doc just out of open heart surgery to look at me and the instrument info, he said I probably had a hole, wasn't too concerned, just said I'd probably tire quicker than most, goodbye. He spent a whole 3-4 minutes on me, but then he just got out of a delicate hours-long surgery, and never planned to see me.

In life, I found that if I was doing a heavy load extended time, then stopped suddenly, I could reproduce a problem. Common example, shoveling heavy snow when there was a lot to do. I'd stop to take a breather, and after just a moment, I'd feel real woozy, vision going, about to hit the deck. Quickest easiest way out was to immediately start shoveling again. After a minute, all OK. Was that way for decades of snow shoveling. Probably still would be, but not deep enough snow here ever to bother to shovel!

I'm not 100% sure how/if hyperventilation comes into it in my case, if it does at all, or if its my heart. In hyperventilation, too rapid breathing reduces CO2 level below the minimum to properly function, and fainting can happen.

Will be interesting to see what your doc concludes out of all the data he has now.