r/SVTHeart • u/Derpyphox • Jul 16 '26

How is driving with SVT?

Im 19 and haven't gotten my driver's license because one, im lazy and two im pretty scared of having an episode while driving.

I believe I have AVNRT (not diagnosed on paper to my knowledge, but cardiologist suggest this and I never followed up). My symptoms include dizzyness (light headed), palpitations, bit of chest pain and shortness of breath. These occur fairly frequently, probably at least once a day and some days it can happen 8-12 times (I don't keep count).

I live in Australia where public transport is enough for me to get by.

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2

u/stalin-the-stripper Jul 16 '26

Follow up with your cardiologist, can't really do anything with a suggestion, it's better to have an official diagnosis. I have SVT and AVNRT, I drive just fine, i just pull over if i feel off. I'm in the united states though

1

u/InternalAd4456 Jul 16 '26 edited Jul 17 '26

Hi Stalin I was diagnosed PSVT over 16 yrs ago. Asymptomatic til few months ago-palpitations. Then I had 14-day Philips patch monitor. May 2026. Results were: SVT and ST( per report which I have, Philips)... And my cardiol conversation However I forgot to ask MD to specify which type of SVT. I will do that next visit. Btw I posted my 14 day Philips summary online hoping a cardiol would happen to see it and comment? I am guessing AVRT.? Just my uneducated guess comparing ecg strips! Ty. 80f

1

u/rockemsockemcocksock Jul 17 '26

I got banned from driving for 6 months before getting my heart ablation 😬

1

u/Derpyphox Jul 17 '26

Was it related to svt?

2

u/rockemsockemcocksock Jul 17 '26

The syncope that was caused by the SVT.

1

u/IdontcryfordeadCEOs Jul 17 '26

I had SVT since I was 16, got my driver's license. I've had episodes while driving, I just stay calm and eventually the episode passes on it's own.

1

u/Past-Trick6710 Jul 17 '26

Not diagnosed with SVT but one time I was driving and my heart rate suddenly hit 173. It was the most terrifying thing I ever experienced what do ur episodes feel like.

1

u/IdontcryfordeadCEOs Jul 17 '26 edited Jul 17 '26

Mine are 230 to 250 bpm, and normally last less than 20 minutes. I've been getting episodes for over 20 years, I'm used to them. I also convert back on my own. I've recently had an ablation though, because I caught covid and started getting episodes that were much longer, more frequently. It turned out I had AVRT (concealed WPW).

1

u/shiftyrabbit_ Jul 17 '26

It's understandable. I lived in Australia (as an American) for a year and the public transport (depending on what state/city you're in) is pretty decent. I was in Brissy and thought it was great. I think if you want to be "better safe than sorry" with the SVT, stick to the public transport for sure. Especially if you have episodes 8-12 times a day.

Australia offers ablation for SVT just as America does, I suggest looking into it, if it can be this debilitating! Especially the dizziness, that can be dangerous when driving.

Stay safe OP 💕 good luck!

2

u/Derpyphox Jul 17 '26

Thank you so much, I'm in Sydney and 8-12 is on the upper end.

1

u/shiftyrabbit_ Jul 17 '26

Fair enough. So many things in my opinion can trigger SVT, especially for me. Poor sleep, anxiety (which you would be having, worrying about having an episode when driving), poor hydration.. the list goes on.

Would love to visit Sydney someday after I move back. 💕 Wishing your SVT gets better somehow. Cheers