Anyone have an EP study and/or ablation? - Heart Disorders Message Board

IndigoDragonfly · 10-13-2005, 11:17 AM

Hello, I was diagnosed with Inappropriate Sinus Tachycardia a few years ago. Recently I have also had episodes of PSVT. I had a follow-up appointment with my cardiologist this week and he stated we could do an EP (electrophysiology) study with possible ablation if he found anything irregular. I'm in limbo about the procedure... not sure if I should have it or not. My episodes of PSVT only occur about once a month and last about five minutes or so. They are terrifying, but short-lived. On the other hand, I suffer from sinus tachycardia EVERY day. My cardiologist thinks ablation may be the answer for the PSVT, but doubts it will help the sinus tachycardia that occurs daily when I get out of bed. It resolves itself within an hour or two, but is an annoyance. Any info/advice on the EP study and/or ablation is GREATLY appreciated!!!

Timber · 10-13-2005, 02:02 PM

If you do a search on this board, you'll find many posts about ablation/EP.

Basically, yeah, your cardio was right - ablation would cure the SVT but not the sinus tachy. It depends how badly you want to stop having PSVTs. Personally, if mine went away by themselves and only lasted 5 minutes or so, I'd not bother with the procedure. But it's a personal decision. If you're healthy, the SVTs won't harm you, so there's no real medical reason to get the ablation unless the episodes really bother you.

Kathy C · 10-13-2005, 04:32 PM

I had an Ablation done several years ago and it lasted 3 months. I was schedualed for a second with in 10 months of the first one and cancelled it. I was told now that there is a 30% chance and ablation will do anything for my SVT. Ablation are not a 100% cure for SVT. I know several people who have had them and still have SVT. One person had her AV Node ablated with the ablation is pacer dependant and has SVT worse than before the Ablation.

If it is more of an annoyance than a real problem I would try and hold off as long as you could. If you are totally fed up and at your wits end and no meds will work then I would say yeah have the ablation.