What Causes Supraventricular Tachycardia When Diagnosed With Hypokalemia?

Posted on Mon, 6 Mar 2017

Question: i had an SVT first one was serverly dehyrated, and K level was below normal. i had been taking HCTZ for blood pressure for 2 prior years without K tablets. Had a heart XXXXXXX showed grossly open heart arteries except for the branch of artery was 70 % plugged but to small for a stent. had nuclear test done everything was normal. have had to other svt, but with hydration at er heart rhythm came back to normal.
went for 2 yr check up with new caridologist, had ecg, showed slight inferior repolariztion disturbance secondary to LVH, borderline ecg. what does mean?

Answered by Dr. Dr Sameer Maheshwari (39 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Please see detailed answer

Detailed Answer:
Hi Mr XXXX,
Welcome
This is Dr Sameer, cardiologist.
When the blood pressure is high for a long time, due to increased back pressure muscles of a chamber of heart (Left Ventricle) gets hypertrophied which is called LVH (Left ventricular Hypertrophy) & this causes shift in axis of heart and can cause repolarization abnormalities (which is not to be worried) & is normally associated with LVH. It is similar to increased muscle mass of a guy going to gym.
SVT in a normal heart is mainly because of Electrolyte Abnormalities (in your case it was decreased potassium) which is a very common finding in patients on HCTZ. So it is important to monitor electrolytes regularly.
Other important cause of recurrent SVT is a abnormal conduction pathway in heart in addition to the normal pathway. This can be diagnosed with a test called EP Study.
As your heart angiogram only shows a small branch vessel disease which is not causing any ischemia(as the nuclear scan is negative), you don't have to worry about that. But you have to take a small blood thinner Ecosprin to prevent progression of this blockage.
I hope i answered your query. If you have any more question, I'll be happy to help.
Wishing you a healthy life.
Thanks
Take care

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng

Follow up: Dr. Dr Sameer Maheshwari (9 days later)

Thank you very much. if i can maintain blood pressure 130/84 or lower can that reverse LVH?

Answered by Dr. Dr Sameer Maheshwari (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Yes it can but after a long time.

Detailed Answer:
Hi Sir,
Welcome back.
Yes LVH can be reversed if bp is kept in control, but it takes a long time & the exact duration could not ascertained. So keep taking the medicines & live a healthy life.
Thanks
Take care

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Dr Sameer Maheshwari (34 hours later)

Thank you very much for an honest answer.

Answered by Dr. Dr Sameer Maheshwari (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Welcome

Detailed Answer:
Hi Mr XXXX,
You are welcome
If you have any more questions anytime, I'll be delighted to help.
You can also choose to close the discussion.
Wishing you a happy & healthy life.
Thanks
Take care

Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana