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Q: 

I think I'm diagnosed with AVRT

By Anonymous November 11, 2012 - 8:43am
 
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I've been suffering from these episode since I was 15 years old, which was directly right after removal of my appendix. The episodes are rare, sometimes it subsides by its own, but sometimes it can really lasts up to 2-3 hours. During these episodes, initially it felt like my heart just skipped a beat, and suddenly it starts to beat really fast, and the feeling of light syncope is usually there. Then, palpitations, shortness of breath, difficulty in breathing, tightening of the chest, lighheadedness, numbness, cold sweats starts to manifest. I tried to hold my breath, and breath out slowly but it doesn't go away, instead it starts to beat faster.

The last one I had was 2 weeks ago, and I had to be taken to the hospital for adenosine injection. My heart rate was around 230 beats/minute. The doctor diagnosed my condition as PSVT specifically AVRT, but he says that it is clinically normal? What does it mean?
What do I usually do when these episodes occur if Valsalva maneuver doesnt work? I can't always go to the hospital. Sometimes I get them during exams, which scares me a lot.
Please help. How do I prevent an episode from occuring? any aggravating factor? and is AVRT a congenital defect?

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Anonymous

Hi Anon,


Welcome to EmpowHER.  Atrioventricular reciprocating tachycardia (AVRT) occurs when there is an extra electrical pathway linking the upper (atria) and lower (ventricles) chambers of the heart. It is a type of supraventricular tachycardia. Medicines, such as beta-blockers or calcium channel blockers, may effectively treat this problem. In people for whom medicines do not work, or for those who do not wish to take medicine, catheter ablation is an option. Catheter ablation works for most patients with atrioventricular reciprocating tachycardia. It's important to discuss with your healthcare provider your results and the type of treatments, which would be best for you.  

 

Best,

Daisy

November 12, 2012 - 4:15am

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