Supraventricular Tachycardia experience

[Andrew]

After years of seeing people here talking about tachycardia I recently found out more about it. A couple days ago I was lying in bed playing a computer game and was hit with extreme pressure in my chest along with pain, and pain on both sides of my jaw. After waiting awhile to see if it went away. I called 911. At the hospital they said my heart rate was 140 and my blood pressure was low. They were able correct this and my pain and the pain was mostly gone. They kept me overnight and did tests. They found some problems with the microvascular system in my heart, but I was left with the impression that this was coincidental I should of asked more questions but I was not focused enough to think to do this.

Anyway, I now have a better idea how you experience this, although I imagine it's not the same for everyone or every episode. Not fun.

 

[Gingergrrl]

They were able correct this and my pain and the pain was mostly gone. They kept me overnight and did tests

I was curious, what did they do to stop the tachycardia and get you back to normal heart rhythm? I am so sorry this happened to you and am glad that you are feeling better now.

 

[LINE]

You might want to look at some posts about this (users on pr such as @YippeeKi YOW !! In essence, magnesium deficiency seemed to be the main player.

 

[Judee]

Do you have a follow appointment with one of your doctors so you can get your questions answered? I hope so.

Saying a prayer for you.

 

[YippeeKi YOW !!]

They found some problems with the microvascular system in my heart, but I was left with the impression that this was coincidental I should of asked more questions but I was not focused enough to think to do this.

Given the vagueness of their diagnosis, I'm not sure that any amount of questioning would have elicited any more information that what they'd already given you. It's more or less meaningless without a little more guidance or even a few hints.

The microvascular system exists all over our bodies, as far as I recall, and consists of the very smallest vessels that help perfuse blood in organ systems. That's about the extent of my knowledge.

You might want to look at some posts about this (users on pr such as @YippeeKi YOW !! In essence, magnesium deficiency seemed to be the main player.

Magnesium certainly wouldnt hurt, but I'm not sure it's the full answer. Given the little they've provided to @Andrew to go on, it's hard to say. My chest pressure/head pressure/ etc seems to have been less complicated than @Andrew 's, but anything that I know that might help, I'll be happy to share ....

EDIT .... typos and an entirely new word due to ....typos ....

 

[Andrew]

I was curious, what did they do to stop the tachycardia and get you back to normal heart rhythm? I am so sorry this happened to you and am glad that you are feeling better now.

This part of it is very confusing. They had me on an IV feeding liquid to hydrate me and counteract the low blood pressure. They said they couldn't give me any medication until they brought my blood pressure up. At one point the nurse came in with a syringe and I think she injected the liquid into my IV. But later they told me they hadn't added any medication because of my low blood pressure. This all took place in the emergency room. Later when I was in the hospital the doctor looked at my record and said I had been given medication to slow my heart. So I don't know what's going on.

While I was lying there in the ER I was wondering if my low blood pressure meant that I was dehydrated, and my heart was beating fast to try to compensate for lack of fluid in my veins. Or maybe it was just ME/CFS screwing up my blood pressure, with the same result.

 

[YippeeKi YOW !!]

At one point the nurse came in with a syringe and I think she injected the liquid into my IV. But later they told me they hadn't added any medication because of my low blood pressure. This all took place in the emergency room.

"Medication" can mean a lot of things, not just prescription meds. Anything used to treat a medical condition is a medication.... tho Ive never heard of medical personnel missing an opportunity to utilize the "most effective treatment", which usually comes from BigPharm .....

It's possible they had you on a potassium/saline drip, or even just balanced electrolytes, which would both hydrate you and raise your blood pressure without using potentially dangerous prescription meds....

 

[heapsreal]

There are ways one can correct it themselves by using valsalva manoeuvres but I'd only do it after a cardio has recommended it. Usually done by paramedics and drs in ER when you are monitored by and ecg etc. For some it can be an easy fix. You sound complicated if dehydration is involved. They can cardiovert you ie shock you out of the rhythm with some light sedation or give you a drug adenosine IV which I have heard feels awful. Alot depends on the underlying cause.

If your BP was low and pulse high, you basically induced pots in yourself lol. If you are in a similar situation tell the medical staff be it paramedics or hospital you have a history of an SVT arrythmia. This might get things rolling quicker👍

Good luck.

 

[Andrew]

It's possible they had you on a potassium/saline drip, or even just balanced electrolytes, which would both hydrate you and raise your blood pressure without using potentially dangerous prescription meds....

I thought I edited one of my messages to add a note, but I guess it didn't take. I remembered that I pressed the doctor and nurse on whether something added to the IV and he said "calcium." This could have heled slow my heart, considering that the IV appeared to be running at full speed.

 

[Zebra]

Hi, @Andrew

I'm sorry this happened to you. I have a couple of suggestions:

1) Aquire your medical record specific to the dates you were in the ER and in the hospital. This can almost always be requested via snail mail or online. No need to leave the house.

2) When you receive your medical record, go through it line by line so you have a better understanding of what tests were run, what the results are, what treatment was administered and why, and what the next steps should be. This is also an opportunity to write down the questions and concerns you weren't able to formulate while sick and in hospital.

3) Based on my own extensive cardiac work up, "problems with the microvascular system" usually require cardiac catheterization to diagnose. (This is the one test I have not yet consented to, but I probably should.) Did you have one of these while you were in hospital?

I apologize if this post sounds "bossy". I just don't want you to slip through the cracks in the medical system. ERs and Hospital staff are often encouraged to "treat and street" patients as quickly as possible, with instructions to the patient to follow up with their primary care doc or specialist ASAP. I hope that is something you can manage, even if only over phone or video.

Will you please keep us posted?

Best regards,
Z

 

[Andrew]

When you receive your medical record, go through it line by line so you have a better understanding of what tests were run

I have online access to my medical records. I did my initial look through them, but have to spend more time on it.

Based on my own extensive cardiac work up, "problems with the microvascular system" usually require cardiac catheterization to diagnose.

A catheter was run up to my heart to get the evaluation. The doctor said I might get one or more stents, but i didn't need them. And there was a third thing that was more extreme, but I didn't need it.

 

[Zebra]

Hi, @Andrew

Thank you for letting me know. I was/am concerned about you.

That was brave of you to undergo the cardiac catheterization, and I'm glad it yielded some actionable results.

Did you receive a referral to a cardiologist to discuss treatment options for microvascular disease?

My cardiologist wanted me to try a trial of a medication (I don't recall the name, sorry) for suspected "small vessel disease" but it turned out to be incompatible with one of my antidepressants. I am overdue for a follow up!

One question I want to ask my cardio is what could cause small vessel disease (besides ME/CFS). https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/small-vessel-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20352117

Please let us know how things work out for you @Andrew!

Best wishes,
Z

 

[Gingergrrl]

Thank you for letting me know. I was/am concerned about you.

I was, too, and thank you for updating us @Andrew! How are you feeling today?

One question I want to ask my cardio is what could cause small vessel disease (besides ME/CFS). https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/small-vessel-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20352117

@Zebra I looked at your link and was curious, is small vessel disease the same thing as "microvascular angina" or are those two totally different diagnoses?

 

[Zebra]

I looked at your link and was curious, is small vessel disease the same thing as "microvascular angina" or are those two totally different diagnoses?

That is a very good question!

I'm not 100% sure of the answer, but the Cleveland Clinic's description of "microvascular angina" reads similarly to the Mayo Clinic's description of "small vessel disease."

 

[LINE]

I am not sure if I can add something or how applicable this is but there is quite a bit of information on microclotting that is being studied/reported on both ME and Long Covid. Treatment ideas seem to be working for the LC people. Let me know if you want more info.

 

[Andrew]

Did you receive a referral to a cardiologist to discuss treatment options for microvascular disease?

I have a follow-up appointment next month.

How are you feeling today?

I feel awful. But it might not be from the heart issue. My lung doctor (who I saw subsequently) said I have an infection in my throat. Or nose. I can't quite remember. But my voice is cracking like I have laryngitis. And I have flu-like symptoms that are well beyond the flu-like symptoms I get from ME.

But here's the thing. I'm also very weak. Which could be a heart issue. Or it could be from a drop in adrenals from the anti-inflammatory shot I got from the lung doctor. I just never know exactly what to do. Because if I go to emergency now (for weakness) I might end up sitting in triage for two hours where I can't lie down and I'm jammed in with others.

 

[Gingergrrl]

My lung doctor (who I saw subsequently) said I have an infection in my throat. Or nose. I can't quite remember. But my voice is cracking like I have laryngitis. And I have flu-like symptoms that are well beyond the flu-like symptoms I get from ME.

Did your lung doctor say if you needed antibiotics or any medication for the infection? Also, did you take a Covid test just in case?

But here's the thing. I'm also very weak. Which could be a heart issue. Or it could be from a drop in adrenals from the anti-inflammatory shot I got from the lung doctor. I just never know exactly what to do. Because if I go to emergency now (for weakness) I might end up sitting in triage for two hours where I can't lie down and I'm jammed in with others.

It's so hard to know which medical issue is causing the current weakness. If you feel like you need to be seen tonight, do you have an Urgent Care Clinic near you (vs. going to the ER)? Also, can you call your lung doctor to see what they recommend and what they advise you to do (re: going to the ER)?

 

[Andrew]

Did your lung doctor say if you needed antibiotics or any medication for the infection? Also, did you take a Covid test just in case?

He gave me an injection of an antibiotic Rocephin, and an anti-inflammatory with a name I don't remember.

It's so hard to know which medical issue is causing the current weakness. If you feel like you need to be seen tonight, do you have an Urgent Care Clinic near you (vs. going to the ER)? Also, can you call your lung doctor to see what they recommend and what they advise you to do (re: going to the ER)?

I forgot all about urgent care. I'll figure out what is close to me. Thanks.

 

[Gingergrrl]

I forgot all about urgent care. I'll figure out what is close to me. Thanks.

I hope that you will be able to find one near you and I am sending healing thoughts your way

 

[Mouse girl]

Glad you are ok....ish, Andrew. and sorry you had such a scare. couldn't you be weaker due to having to go the hospital and all the tests, activity and stress, plus the infection? I went to the mall to return some stuff and had to walk pretty far with my rollator. I was ok walking, i enjoyed being "out" and on my own and around people. But.......I got super weak in two days and loads of extra pain just from the outing, plus other stuff kicking up. Hard time of year for lots of people too. Hope you are doing ok.

Glad you have a follow up as i know you have other heart stuff and you would need a doctor to interpret test results. I hate that my doc sends me test results without telling me what it means. It's too stressful and usually just makes me worried about stuff my doc isn't worried about or not fully understanding something etc, because I'm not a doctor! lol I'ld rather if he has nothing to say about it, just don't send me the stuff. I guess in the age of people thinking they know more than doctors, everyone wants blood work etc, but i only want it if i need to give it to another doc or to have them explain what something bad really means etc.