I have SVT with Bradycardia

Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT), also called paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia, is defined as an abnormally fast heartbeat. It’s a broad term that includes many forms of heart rhythm problems (heart arrhythmias) that originate above the ventricles (supraventricular) in the atria or AV node.

Bradycardia is a slower than normal heart rate. The hearts of adults at rest usually beat between 60 and 100 times a minute. If you have bradycardia, your heart beats fewer than 60 times a minute.

So what is the big deal? Well it turns out if you have both it is harder to treat. Let me explain, if you take a Beta Blocker or other such medications to reduce your heart rate when it is high, once your heart rate lowers then all is well again. However, you have Bradycardia as well. So now you have to deal with it dangerously low. How dangerous? Dangerous enough to not provide the required oxygen to your brain.

So what next? I am still trying to figure it out. I was prescribed Corlandor 5mg for the SVT and a pacemaker for my Bradycardia. Currently I am not taking Corlandor 5mg, but still getting small SVT episodes. The pacemaker is making a difference on the Bradycardia as I can finally get a full breath and have enough oxygen to my brain.

Till will tell. I am in my mid- 40’s and can’t believe it’s already time for pacemaker. I felt healthy 6 months ago, not sure if I ever had bradycardia before or not. This whole experience has been super surreal. I can’t help but think my IBS-D episodes that I’ve learned to cope with are somehow connected to the SVT episodes. I know gut health is super important, but enough to cure this?

I’ll be sure to let you know!