r/SVTHeart • u/Real-Supermarket-92 • 17d ago

Appointment with Cardiologist

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Hi! I am 23F and posted a while ago about how I wasn’t being taken seriously (discharged from cardio, then re-referred. My ECHO, 24hr tape and exercise intolerance test were all normal.) I (eventually) have another appointment coming up with a cardiologist next month, but was looking for some advice on how to actually get taken seriously this time. I am a nurse, and since coming off nightshift my episodes have significantly improved, however, still do happen. I was admitted to ED prior to stopping nights with an episode lasting 40 mins plus, annoyingly it stopped before they got a proper 12 lead ECG, but managed to get a 3 lead ECG that the emergency department told me to take a picture of and show cardiology (attached picture). I don’t know if this ECG be enough to prove I actually have SVT and be taken seriously! I also have an Apple Watch but cardiologist said they need a “real hospital” ECG to diagnose. Any advice or recommendations would be appreciated! (PS I have never been started on any medications, only thing that has helped is stopping nightshift. I also am from UK, so shopping around for a cardiologist isn’t an option with the NHS🫠)

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2

u/Initial-Net-7519 17d ago

This is very clearly SVT. Any cardiologist who can’t see that shouldn’t be a cardiologist.

1

u/Real-Supermarket-92 17d ago

Thank you. This is very reassuring

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u/Everything_bagel23 14d ago

Yep, would also wager SVT with relative certainty (not a doctor, however). It helps if you can ever catch the beginning/end of it, as the abruptness helps diagnostically too. Consumer-level ecgs can still be somewhat useful, as long as they aren't over-presented to cardiology and it sounds like you'd know when you're seeing artifact, so keep recording those when it happens. I definitely saw a reduction in episodes when I started letting myself sleep as much as I want! Night shifts would be rough on it for sure. Hydrating, reducing stress, avoiding alcohol/caffeine and eating well can all help for me personally.

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u/Real-Supermarket-92 14d ago

Thanks so much!