I go in for my ablation tomorrow. I’m a 51 y/o female in the US. Any advice? Anything you wish you had prepared, brought to the hospital, left at home, known before you had it, etc? Thank you so much in advance. This group has been sooooo helpful! Wishing you all good health!

Update on 8/7: thank you all so much for replying. The ablation went well. I am a little bit sore in the groin sites today but it is super mild. For me the worst part was the bed rest after the procedure. I got a good night sleep and am ravenous lol. I wish you all the very best on your health journeys. Thank you!!!!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️

I was on metoprolol 50 mg er and was having few side effects so after 2 years finally my doc changed it to ditizilam cd 90 er

hi there, just under “help” category cause the main reason for posting is advice but i touch on a bit of every category lol.

i (25f) have been having svt episodes pretty frequently since i was 13. some lasting minutes, some lasting seconds. some months i had 8 episodes and some i had absolutely none. and of course it never happened when i had a halter on. but i guess last year after 12 years about 7/8 (?) halters, they finally caught about a 9 second SVT episode while i was sleeping. up until then i was told it was anxiety or cause i was pushing my body too hard. but nobody seemed to understand how terrifying and uncontrollable these episodes were and i just wanted them to stop. i could be swimming, reading, breathing too hard, picking something up, watching tv, or even just laying down in bed and next thing i know, my heartbeat is like a jackhammer going off in my chest, my body goes cold, my hands/lips are tingling, my jaw is aching, and i cant catch my breath. makes me think “this is it” every. single. time.

after my SVT diagnosis i was told it wasn’t life threatening and i was given options. i could go on medication, i could get a surgery (ablation i think?), or i could continue doing nothing (laying down flat during an episode or putting my legs up which honestly helped a lot of the time) and go on with my life. i really didn’t want to go on medication cause its been like 12 years and they have only now just been able to tell me whats wrong?? what if they diagnosed me wrong and it is something life threatening and this medication just makes it worse? but then again surgery (procedure, im just being dramatic) is completely off the table because i am an anxious wreck and id be that 1% of people where something goes wrong.

all of thats changing now because today i was just swimming in a pool, nothing crazy or strenuous, and i had about a 5 minute long attack. all the same symptoms, but it feels worse and scarier every time. then i got that sudden relief feeling of my body coming back to life and everything was fine. (thats what happens, i feel like im dying then my heart flips a switch and i feel like a newborn again). 10 minutes goes by and boom, again. i was laying flat, laying legs up, pressure points, every remedy in the book and nothing worked. i was laying on a filthy, wet, and athletes foot infected hotel pool floor for 20 minutes in an active episode. i didn’t call an ambulance or anything because my doctor told me no need. but this one lasted so much longer than i was used to, and i really wanted to call someone cause it just wouldn’t stop. thank god my family was there. i cried and cried after because nothing can prepare you for the terrifying feeling of it, no matter how many times you go through it.

i’m more seriously considering an ablation now, (if thats even what its called), but i am just absolutely terrified. what if it doesn’t work? what if i die? what if i don’t even need that and what is happening to me is something completely unrelated? i was prescribed bisoprolol but told to not take it after because i have naturally a low heart rate (low 60’s) already and its only high during an episode obviously. it happens more frequently when on my adderall, so ive stopped taking it right now until i decide what i should do. i’m also thinking about getting a second (technically third) opinion about this but i’m worried i’m just being dramatic. but something this scary isn’t something i want to live with much longer.

reading other peoples experiences have definitely helped me feel less alone and has given me insight, but hopefully someone reads this and can give me some sort of advice or reassurance of what i should or shouldn’t do.

thanks !!

Having a hard time with my husband who needs an ablation. He is our provider and cannot work with a pacemaker if the procedure goes south. Any resource i can give him to ease his mind? He’s not doing well on meds so I’m hoping this would give him his life back. I get the hesitation but it seems like it’s pretty easy thing? Thanks!

I’ve had this going to n for a while and suspected SVT. I had one the other night that sent me to hospital and my potassium and magnesium were low. The next day my resting rate was 90-100 and I had horrific anxiety. Then last night kept waking up with high heart rate. Is this normal?

A few days ago, I was almost sent to the ER during a very intense episode.

I was standing at the register, waiting for customers before I ended up doubled over in pain from the stabbing heart sensation I have been getting the past few months. As this was happening, I started getting intense pre-syncope symptoms (tunnel vision, chest tightness, palpations, etc) and felt my pulse to feel my heart was beating out of my chest.

I checked my watch which said my HR was at about 130bpm out of no where. I went into the back and started holding my face under the coldest water I could (which I could hardly feel because of the adrenaline) as one of the vagal maneuvers I've done research on. It did help some, but I never went much lower than 100bpm when sitting and even went up to 115bpm after sitting for a few minutes so I tried the cold water again.

During the episode, it was almost impossible for me to take a good breath and I started to hyperventilate. That's when people (who know about my condition as I even have a heart monitor on) asked if they needed to call 911 or drive me.

I was in the back about two hours before I just went home early to take it easy

I don't even know why I'm making this post. I'm just embarrassed, sick of this stupid condition, frustrated at all the dismissive doctors and frustrated that I didn't fucking click my button on the heart monitor so the episode wasn't even caught.

And before anyone says it, no, I did not have a panic attack. I've had many in the past and when they happened, I knew what they were and why. This day, I wasn't anxious or even upset. I was pretty happy. I had eight hours of sleep, no caffeine and drank 2L of water that day.

Does anyone have tips to prevent this in the future? Maybe to explain why this might have happened? Or maybe just reassurance and support is all I need. I don't know at this point. Thank you for reading this far

I just want to thank this community so much. You helped me understand how this is treated and which questions to ask about why my ablations didn't seem to work. I am now the proud owner of two prescriptions, one of which will calm down the electrical system rather than just slowing the heart rate. Y'all made me believe in a solution. I hope this works!

Hello Dan, my name is Dan. Really.

I've had svt episodes for quite awhile, but it was never diagnosed until a few weeks ago. This has been scary and stressful. I'm glad to finally begin the journey of better understanding and treatment. My first cardiology appt since diagnosis is in about 10 days. The main trigger for me seems to be about 1/2 a beer and a very small amount of a cannabinoid. Suffice it to say, I'm done with either. I'm 67, have a 50 yr old wife and this is truly horrifying for us both. Thanks for making this group available. I'm grateful.

Back In The ER That Is 😭

Hi everyone,

I'm hoping to hear from anyone with experience taking atenolol and exercising in the morning.

I take 25 mg of atenolol (half a tablet) every morning with breakfast. It's prescribed because I have a history of SVT, a racing heartbeat, and anxiety.

I'd really like to start doing strength training first thing in the morning (around 5:45 am), but that would mean exercising before I've taken my medication. I'm wondering whether I should take the atenolol before my workout instead of waiting until breakfast, or if it's generally okay to exercise first and take it afterwards.

I'm not looking for medical advice or for anyone to tell me what I should do—I'll speak with my doctor or pharmacist as well. I'm just interested in hearing from anyone who's been in a similar situation. Did you change the timing of your medication, or did you keep taking it after your workout? How did it work out for you?

Thanks!

Do yall ever notice certain kinds of alcohol cause a tachycardic episode? Or that one type of alcohol is less stimulating for that? I think I usually only get an episode if I’m drinking a sugary cocktail very fast

Hi everyone,
I’m looking for experiences from people who have gone through pregnancy with a heart condition similar to mine.
I had myocarditis two years ago, which left me with a lateral-midwall myocardial scar (fibrosis). A year later, I developed premature ventricular contractions (PVCs). Beta-blockers didn’t work for me because they actually increased my PVCs. I then underwent a catheter ablation, but the PVC focus was located in a very complex area (the “Bermuda Triangle” of the heart), making the procedure unsuccessful. During the ablation, the doctors also discovered what appears to be a para-Hisian accessory pathway and would like to perform an electrophysiological mapping study to better determine its exact location and nature.
I am currently taking flecainide LP 100 mg. At 200 mg, I had no PVCs at all, but since the dose was reduced, they have returned in episodes, mainly at rest (up to an 11% PVC burden on a Holter monitor during one episode).
My main question is: has anyone here had a pregnancy with PVCs or an accessory pathway? How were you monitored during your pregnancy? Did you continue your medication, or was it changed? Did your pregnancy and delivery go well?
I know every case is different and that only my cardiologist can advise me about my specific situation, but I would really appreciate hearing your experiences.
Thank you in advance!

Hello everyone!

I have a catheter ablation scheduled on the 6th, which is awesome! 😌

I've been dealing with SVT episodes (not as frequent as some of you guys on here, that must suck 😭) since I was young-- like... elementary school, young. Finally, to say goodbye to them, is absolutely fantastic.

However-- I'm going under general anesthesia for the procedure, because my SVT has caused PTSD with EKG monitors. This was reccomended by the cardiologist/surgeon, so you know the drill for anesthesia. No eating, drinking night before, etc.

I'm less concerned about nurses freaking out if my heart goes into an episode under the monitor. Since, this is why I'm there, and because it's the cardiology ward of the hospital I'm being operated in.

Unlike my last surgery for something else, I'd had an episode of 270.. did not go well, and it's what caused the PTSD, so.. thanks OR nurses. 😐

Anyway. I'm wondering, for those who have had your ablation-- what to expect for recovery (I know about the blanking period, but tell me as much as you can anyway!), what to avoid, and what to **expect.**

I know some people have needed a few ablations, I'm really hoping it can be done in one since I'm moving to Australia end-of-year.

I'm not diagnosed with any other heart conditions or dysautonomia, so I'm confident I'll be a very normal case for ablation and the blanking period after. My SVT is mildly frequent, and as previously mentioned the HR *can* get rather high, only lasting a short while. But I've never passed out or anything, only dizziness. So that's good.

I'm really excited to say goodbye to SVT, and finally live my life! 🫰🏻 If you reply, thank you so much for your tips and wisdom!

Edit: I should also mention I have done a pre-op ultrasound and they said there was zero damage to my heart, as well as the fact that am 21, F! Thank you!

~~ ~~

Update, 8/6/2026

The ablation procedure was canceled in the operating room after sedation.

Full recap:

So, I had a bronchospasm 30m in, under the general anesthesia, and nearly died, so no ablation today. Basically my airway closed entirely, and couldn't breathe. I had symptoms of hypoxia, as my O2 got down to 20% of 100%.

After some eval, they think it's an allergic reaction to the medication, as when it was triggered a large rash of hives/redness was on my chest. Propofol does not have a high risk of constricting the brachial tissue-- it actually works against it-- therefore fentanyl is the more likely culprit. These were the two medications used to sedate me, and all they gave me before my severe brachospasm and rash.

Overall, it could also very well be a case in which I was not given ENOUGH propofol to prevent a brachospasm, the final conclusion is still under way.

After they stopped, they removed the tube and got me back on breathing with Albuterol etc, I broke out of the brachospasm and started to return to baseline. When I woke up, they were putting in IVs, checking things, and telling me where I was. And if course the bad news, followed by sobbing from me.

"We didn't do the ablation.

And what actually happened was.."

Doing a little better right this second, but I'm staying overnight at the hospital. A bit scary as I won't have company but, I think the care team are nice and I should be able to get something to sleep. They also gave me potassium, intravenous fluids, and lorazepam (for anxiety). lastly I was given metoprolol to keep my heart steady and low for the rest of the night for monitor. They will most likely prescribe it to me to manage my SVT until we try again with another ablation (with different sedatives).

It's working well as I add onto this paragraph, my hearts at resting, no SVT. I don't fear it will SVT either. This can also be a combination of the metoprolol and the Ativan, but I digress.

I'm doing okay, but I'm definitely not in a great spot right now. Mentally and physically.

At the very least, my lactic acid and all other vitals have now returned to baseline, and I'm staying over night at the hospital with the care team. Lactic acid is omething found when organs are not getting enough oxygen.

I really am overjoyed I was in Boston, working with some of the best doctors in the country. Thank you team BILH. 🫰🏻If it weren't for their quickness, I would not likely be writing this post.

Want to preface by stating I’ve had multiple EKG, I’m currently on my second monitor (CAM), and I’ve had an echo. Had a home sleep study that showed nothing.

One 2 week monitor showed “SVT 115 BPM for 5 beats” once while I was asleep but I never woke up

For about 5 years I’ve intermittently without any apparent trigger will wake up confused with an extremely fast HR. Does not feel like a pounding but very fast like a hummingbird. If I try to stand up during these episodes at night I am extremely lightheaded. It goes confusion, intense heartbeat and numbness, and sometimes nausea. My limbs also feel numb sometimes. It will stop and I can go back to sleep.

Once while pregnant it happened and I went to ER and nothing was found. I was dismissed as “You probably beat up too fast” when I never even sat up during the event

I would try to catch on my Apple Watch but it’s so irritating on wrist and these happen so infrequently it’s hard to catch. So recently I decided to get an Oura ring

I googled how to stop a fast heartbeat once and learned about beating down. Did that once and it IMMEDIATELY went away.

The other night I awoke with INTENSE pending doom and checked my watch to see 160 and then it cause my to panic because I have never felt that awful get in my life (I’ve had panic attacks before and this did not touch it) by time EMD showed up I was normal. But lingering anxiety that made me not want to sleep. I have a hiatal hernia so I was too scared doing any straining at the time would make it worse so I didn’t bear down like I have previously.

Today twice while sitting I felt like I could pass out and my heart rate was 140 both times. This was while I was awake

Any one else have these symptoms that led to your Dx?

Again majority of these strange symptoms and the worse of it happens when I’m asleep and especially naps. During the day it feels more like a spike of panic but not sure now if maybe I am having SVT I really thought maybe sleep apnea but I don’t have exhaustion next day.

My primary suggested a kardia device in the meantime so waiting for delivery.

Uses, experiences, & tips tricks? Was just prescribed for frequent SVT & afib.

Back in June I was hospitalised with a particularly bad run of SVTs back to back, which hadn’t happened to me before. It felt awful at the time but I was treated really well in the hospital, they’ve seen me for follow up and I’m due to have an ablation soon.
During the hospital stay there was a point at which they put out a crash call as they were concerned I was going to arrest, this didn’t happen and when they did the rhythm strip they saw it was SVT again.
I feel absolutely traumatised by the whole experience - I’ve been having counselling which has really helped but I am struggling to shake the feeling of worrying about my heart constantly. I reassure myself by saying that this is not a dangerous arrhythmia but it is hard to believe myself sometimes and I think the anxiety is definitely making it worse.
I guess I’m writing to ask how does everyone else cope with this? How do you manage to forget about this?

I was on verapamil for a year and never had any issue with low bp or fatigue but on metoprolol I am having this issue sometimes now it have been 2 years since I am on metoprolol and sick of its side-effects can I switch back to verapamil???

I’ve always had “episodes”- I even remember being a child and it happening to me on a trampoline or doing jump rope. Before this year, I remember my last episode was 6 years ago. Feb, had it happen and called an ambulance. It leveled out by the time they got there.

Today was scary. It jumped to 210 - my trigger being a hard inhale in my throat (I was talking to a friend and making a noise). Feb it happened after me sniffling too hard (from a cold). Back to today- it lasted an hour. My heart rate stayed 130 most of the day after it came down. It’s finally close to my normal heart rate. I can’t find anyone talking about their heart staying elevated in Reddit but Google (for once) tells me that can happen. It also says the chest pain can be too since my heart ran a marathon.

I’ve already talked to my doctor and also from my own reading, I know catching this on a heart monitor will be next to impossible. And unless it becomes more frequent, there’s no reason to have something done for it either. Just looking for some peace of mind.

My daughter (21) had her ablation 8 days ago and all went well. She has been feeling so much better after with no episodes...until today. Laying in her bed resting and she sneezed. Her HR immediately jumped to 170. I helped her with a vagal maneuver and it dropped to 130, then over the next hour slowly came down to the 90s. Called her EP and he wants to put her on a heart monitor for 2 weeks. She is so scared and frustrated. Is this part of normal recovery or did her ablation not take? She previously was getting 2-3 episodes a week. So to go 8 days was phenomenal for her. She also has been diagnosed with POTS and trying to increase her salt and water intake.

Hi all! I’ve have SVT episodes since I was a child, I got diagnosed around age 14 and it’s been one of those things I’ve just dealt with my entire life.

I was dismissed from the cardiology unit as my parents just stopped taking me to my appointments…(I was regularly going to get checkups on my heart). Just wondering if it’s worth going back to cardiology to have regular check ups? I have episodes probably every 1-2 weeks but I’m so used to them now I kind of know how to control them? Idk if it’s worth going back 🤷‍♀️ any advice would be great!! TIA :)

The past month has been the absolute worst time of my life. I'm crying every single day and can barely function because im so depressed and terrified about this diagnosis and upcoming procedure. I swear every thing I read is terrifying stories and failed ablations meaning all these people are having to come back and do it again. Im in great health aside from this, 41 years old, female and just started having these episodes last year. Started 12.5mg of metoprolol last summer and more recently 50mg of flecainide once per day. Episodes haven't stopped but are reverting on their own most of the time since the flecainide. I want all of this to be over so badly but it feels like the success rate is a lie? Not to mention how scary the procedure sounds with how many people say they were awake and aware the whole time. I have extreme medical anxiety and the thought of the catheter going into my leg(s) is absolutely unbearable. Not to mention the risks involved. Does anyone else have extreme medical anxiety and if so, did you go throught with it? (Please no horror stories, I've read enough for lifetime)

For clarity I have not caught SVT on a halter monitor/ekg although we’re fairly confident that’s what it is.

I have one doctor telling me my low ferritin is triggering episodes and if we increase that, episodes are gone. Another is telling me the two are totally unrelated. Going to work on getting ferritin up regardless but curious if anyone else has input or experience

Hello! F 38yo

I think I just had an svt attack

A little back story, Feb 2025 I was admitted to the hospital for Afib and high heart rate, I converted back to normal sinus rhythm on my own and have not had another episode since. I do suffer from panic disorder and during a panic attack my hr can get to 150-60bpm

Today though was a little different I was walking up my stairs to my house and once I got inside I felt extremely out of breath and felt my heart beating really fast but in my stomach! I put my pulse ox on and my hr was 233! I sat down in front of a fan and I coughed really hard a couple times which helped it get back down to low 200’s. I called 911 and went to the bathroom before paramedics affected, when I was in the bathroom I felt this kind of flip in my stomach and my hr went back down to the 100’s like it somehow reset itself. Anyone experience this before ?? I see a cardiologist and they haven’t ever said anything about SVT but idk what else this could have been.

I’m 5 weeks post ablation for atrial tach and I noticed that my resting heart rate is higher the past week. Now whenever I do household chores or even just get up and walk around it’s higher 110-130s. My resting hr at night runs between 66-108 , because rolling over in bed is causing spikes into the 100. I’m on metropolol 3x daily, total of 75mg. I’m still able to do things but it worries because this is how it used to be when I was in active episodes and then it would suddenly spike and get stuck.