Had Heart Ablation Surgery. Feel Panicky, Light Headed. Can I Control This?

Posted on Sun, 5 Aug 2012

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sun, 5 Aug 2012 Answered on

Sat, 25 Aug 2012 Last reviewed on

Question : Hello Dr. Since my heart ablation surgery, it has more or less stopped the SVT occurences that I used to have. They used to be about 200-300 bpm. Anyway, sometimes my heart feels like it wants to trigger into that same old SVT but doesn't quite do it. I get a little panicky and light headed when I get this feeling. I feel the heart trying to go to a new gear, even if I am not moving. I avoid coffee, cigarettes, and caffeine products, but I probably don't eat and sleep that well. Is this something I can control or is this a chronic condition that may get worse? I was told (a few years ago) that doing another ablation can be very risky. I take no medication. Thank you for your input.

Answered by Dr. Rakesh Madhyastha (1 hour later)

Hello

Thanks for the query

I would like to know a few more details in order to come to a better conclusion

1. What is the dose of digoxin you are taking? Are you taking it all days of the week?
2. Are you on any medications right? Please mention them to me
3. When does your heart feel like it wants to trigger? is it during exercise? or height of anxiety? does it happen even at rest?
4. Once the feeling of trigger goes away do you feel like passing urine?
5. Have they implanted a device after the ablation?

Please get back to me, I am awaiting your reply

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Rakesh Madhyastha (5 hours later)

Hi Dr. Madhyashtha, how are you? I do NOT take any Digoxin any more. That was way before my ablation that was done over 10 years ago. I take nothing for my heart. Sometimes I take a Omeoprazole for acid reflux. As far as what triggers it, sometimes if I was out late (maybe a couple drinks) and not much sleep, it might be agitated and feel like it wants to go into SVT. Certain soft drinks can do this to. Caffeine is not good for it. I feel like if it wasn't for the ablation, it would certainly go into that SVT rhythm. It is very uncomfortable and I get a little dizzy until the feeling goes away. I slow down and take XXXXXXX breaths. Can a better diet or taking some minerals and vitamins help out? Excercise? I work long hours as a truck driver and have lots of stress. I haven't seen a cardiologist in years, but he said some of the drugs used for helping, have too many side affects. I would like to have this happen less and imrove my heart rhythm. Thank you Doctor.

XXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Rakesh Madhyastha (1 hour later)

Hello

Thanks for the query

Once the region of the misfiring signal of the heart causing SVT is ablated there are very little chances of you going back to SVT.

The symptoms what you are telling me sounds more like dyspepsia/acid peptic disease to me than that of a cardiac origin. More so because the symptoms are related to gastric irritants like alcohol, soft drinks, irregular sleep habits, coffee,etc however arrhythmias (abnormal contraction of the heart) cant be ruled out especially with a previous history of rhythm disturbance. I strongly suggest you to get an EKG done along with a review from a cardiologist as soon as possible. The ideal investigation for you is a 24 hours Holter monitoring (here a small EKG machine is tied onto your chest for 24 hours to note any irregular rhythm).

Continue taking omeprazole, it is taken 30 min before food once daily.

I hope I have answered your query, if you have any further ones I will be happy to reply

I wish you good health

Regards

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

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar