causes for V-Tach

I had my ICD implanted in February 2014. Recently, I have been having numerous V-Tach episodes. This is the reason I had the ICD implanted. I am taking 120mg sotalol twice a day but the V-Tach episodes are getting more frequent. There is no rhyme or reason to why they start. I have been walking, running, eating dinner, walking to the car, sitting in front of the TV, typing on the computer and bam I go into V-Tach. The ICD paces me out very quickly, but it's not pleasant for several minutes. I and my cardiologists can't figure out what triggers them. There is absolutely no connection from one to the next.

If anyone has any ideas and possible causes I would sure like to hear them.

I've done all the heart test. Healthy heart, arteries, etc. Doctor says it is an electrical problem.

Sure would like to know what triggers them.

Thanks in advance.

2 Comments

Thanks great info

by Cartman - 2014-05-31 01:05:09

Inga - thanks for the info.....my cardio tried an ablation 18 months ago.....but could not get my heart to go into V-tach in the operating room....tried for 4 hours.....the ablation was a failure.....cardio has scheduled another attempt at an ablation in 2 weeks.....hoping it will work this time..........cardio says it's genetic as well.......

Not really, but...

by golden_snitch - 2014-05-31 03:05:22

Hi!

Not really an idea of what triggers them, apart from a genetic reason. Have you been tested for Long-QT and Brugada Syndrome?

Just wondering, has your cardio considered doing a catheter ablation? There are some studies that suggest that in some patients a combination of ICD implant + catheter ablation can reduce the VT episodes significantly. A friend of mine has VTs. She underwent several ablations, before she agreed to have her CRT device upgraded to a CRT-D. But, unlike you, she has a structural heart disease and heart failure.

In my opinion, when someone has VTs without any structural heart disease or any genetic reason, an EP study + catheter ablation is something to look into. Maybe there is just one spot in your ventricles where the cells are acting up and inducing those VT episodes; during an EP study they could be mapped and then ablated. If your episodes are getting more frequent, it's at least worth a try, I'd say. But that's, of course, just my opinion. I have had several ablations for atrial arrhythmias, and I know that, if VTs would suddenly occur without any trigger, I'd get an EP study and, if possible, an ablation done.

Best wishes

Inga

You know you're wired when...

You have a 25 year mortgage on your device.

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