Ventricular Tachycardia

[Guest guest]

Marge,

Hi, I have had sustained and nonsustained VT. Prior to my AICD in 1994 I was

defibbed twice in the hospital. Also, prior to my diagnosis of ARVD I had

many nonsustained episodes. I have done the gamut of meds. Sotalol caused

proarrhythmias and all related meds. Amiodarone worked very well, but I

could not tolerate the side effects. Now I am on Ethmozine and though it

makes me rather lethargic I seldom have any VT and usually self convert if I

have a run. Does your husband have an AICD? How high does his HR get?

Unfortunately mine will get up in the 300's and naturally I will pass out

rather quickly. Does his doctor consider the VT life threatening? Has he

been seen by an EP doctor? I had to give up running and even moderate

walking for exercise. However, I still am able to ride my horse and do some

competing over fences and in dressage. I have had to choose where to expend

my energy and that is my choice. I also am able to work fulltime and feel

very blessed to have this life I do have.

Take care,

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[Guest guest]

Howdy Marge ,

I believe that Ms beat me to the question as to whether your husband has

an implanted ICD.

I have had one since March, 1996. I have also had a running gun battle since

then with what I call low level VT that ranges between 120 and 136 bpm. I too

have gone through many medications to solve this problem. The latest and most

effective medication that has worked (at least for a month now) is a 4,000 mg

daily dose of Procanbid. The Ep who is also my cardiologist doubled that dose

from a previous doseage of 2,000 mg per day (I was having almost regular low

level VT attacks at that dosage. I have had a few pvc's since then but not one

run of VT of any kind! I was prepared to just live with the low level attacks if

I had had to. I know that my ICD will save me from life threatening VT. It is

set to defib at 200 bpm. I do not know how brave(??!) I would be without the

implant. I too am limited in my physical abilities. I used to run, jog or walk a

lot. Now I am probably the fastest sitter on my side of town and am not allowed

to drive. But above it all, I have lived to see two Christmases that I don't

think I would have seen, and now I just may make a third--this one. Merry

Christmas and the best to you and your husband.

PS-I believe an EP study is the only thing that can help you and your husband

decide whether to be truly concerned or not. If he ain't had one--get him one

for Christmas.

Bill Feagin

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[Guest guest]

Hello Bill, Thanks for your suggestions!

May I ask you if they decided what was casing the VT attacks? Also are

the attacks you experience sustained or non-sustained ....and at what

age did they appear?

May you and all on this list have blessed holidays, and thanks for your

help.

Aloha, Marge

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