Hi Reena
I am Dr Jeetendra, Thanks or posting query on Healthcare Magic
The symptoms you described are classical episodes of tachyarrhythmia ( abnormal fast heart rate) with symptoms. It can be happen in many rhythm disorders just for example Paroxysmal
supraventricular tachycardia, Atrial fibrillation,
Ventricular fibrillation, episode of
sinus tachycardia due to anxiety ( and other rhythms also). But your history about symptoms suggest that it should not happen in anxiety. I describe according to seriousness
(1)Ventricular fibrillation (VF) in any condition it can not be because VF heart stop mechanically person would die if can be treated immediately.
(2) Ventricular tachycardia (VT) is fast ventricular heart rate may results in to symptoms only but some time heart may stop mechanically and person would die if can be treated immediately,.
(3) Atrial Fibrillation (AF) is abnormal
irregular heart rate gives the similar symptoms you have described.
(4) Paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia - is abnormal regular heart rate gives the similar symptoms you have described.
(5) Sinus arrhythmia – Normal can happen with any healthy individual. Slight change of heart with berating
Only way to rule out these is getting ECG at that time, of course very difficult practically. Alternative is this you can have tele ECG device which record your ECG by phone and send immediately to central console. These are available on rent in good cardiac centers.
If we know it happens at very frequently (in 48-72 hours) then you can get your ECG to be recorded by one small palm size machine attaches to your chest (HOLTER MONITORING) and you can do your routine work. It is actually ambulatory ECG.
Yes, at least you can count your pulse yourself or by bystander and if it is in the range 180-200 then there would be possibility of supraventricular tachycardia.
Now Treatment – Most of them can be cured permanently by Electrophysiological study (EP) and y
radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of abnormal conduction pathways.
If RFA is not possible then even medication gives your relief to great extent.
Please keep in mind get you
thyroid function if thyroid is high then you might not require all these things
Do not ignore this can result in to permanent change (?damage) to heart (Tachycardia induced
myopathy)
Hope this answers your query. If you have additional questions or follow up queries then please do not hesitate in writing to us. I will be happy to answer your queries.
Dr Jeetendra Sharma
Senior Consultant Critical care Medicine.