Re: Conn's syndrome and SVT

[Guest guest]

I have never heard of doing an ablation and checking our Conn's at the same time. Recommend you seek a second opinion.CE Grim MDHi,My mother was recently diagnosed with SVT (runaway heart) and during the course of setting up the ablation surgery, it was discovered that she also has Conn's Syndrome. I get that Conn's is creating the issues with her blood pressure but at the same time can it be the cause of her extreme heart palpitations at times? SVT has to do with electrical issues in the heart but I was just wondering if anyone had heard of any correlation between the two. I do not want her to have the heart ablation if it is caused by the Conn's. She is taking meds for the Conn's as of a few days ago and her urine smells really awful. We are assuming that its the drug. Her adrenal glad is very swollen today. Her surgery is next week and she will not call and tell the doc that is swollen. She thinks they know that already. (they plan to do the ablation and check out her adrenals at the same time when she is on the table)Please let me know if you have any input.Any help is appreciated.Thanks so much-

[Guest guest]

If your mother has Conn's more then likely this is her cause for

heart palpitations. Most likely due to low potassium. Does she get up a lot to

pee at night?

Need more information as to how they found Conn's. What is she taking for meds?

Why does she say her adrenal glad is very swollen today? Unless she had a CT

done no way to know how swollen it is. She could have back pain but this still

doesn't;t mean there is more swelling.

Conn's is not the only cause for adrenal glad swelling and heart palpitations.

>

> Hi,

>

> My mother was recently diagnosed with SVT (runaway heart) and during the

course of setting up the ablation surgery, it was discovered that she also has

Conn's Syndrome. I get that Conn's is creating the issues with her blood

pressure but at the same time can it be the cause of her extreme heart

palpitations at times?

>

> SVT has to do with electrical issues in the heart but I was just wondering if

anyone had heard of any correlation between the two. I do not want her to have

the heart ablation if it is caused by the Conn's.

>

> She is taking meds for the Conn's as of a few days ago and her urine smells

really awful. We are assuming that its the drug. Her adrenal glad is very

swollen today. Her surgery is next week and she will not call and tell the doc

that is swollen. She thinks they know that already. (they plan to do the

ablation and check out her adrenals at the same time when she is on the table)

>

> Please let me know if you have any input.

> Any help is appreciated.

>

> Thanks so much-

>

[Guest guest]

Does your mother have atrial fibrillation or Supraventricular tachycardia?

>

> Hi,

>

> My mother was recently diagnosed with SVT (runaway heart) and during the

course of setting up the ablation surgery, it was discovered that she also has

Conn's Syndrome. I get that Conn's is creating the issues with her blood

pressure but at the same time can it be the cause of her extreme heart

palpitations at times?

>

> SVT has to do with electrical issues in the heart but I was just wondering if

anyone had heard of any correlation between the two. I do not want her to have

the heart ablation if it is caused by the Conn's.

>

> She is taking meds for the Conn's as of a few days ago and her urine smells

really awful. We are assuming that its the drug. Her adrenal glad is very

swollen today. Her surgery is next week and she will not call and tell the doc

that is swollen. She thinks they know that already. (they plan to do the

ablation and check out her adrenals at the same time when she is on the table)

>

> Please let me know if you have any input.

> Any help is appreciated.

>

> Thanks so much-

>

[Guest guest]

For both atrial fibrillation or Supraventricular tachycardia there are other

ways to treat them besides surgery? In fact surgery seem a last resort for both.

From Wikipedia. Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT)

TreatmentIn general, SVT is threatening, but episodes can be treated or

prevented. While some treatment modalities can be applied to all SVTs with

impunity, there are specific therapies available to cure some of the different

sub-types. Cure requires intimate knowledge of how and where the arrhythmia is

initiated and propagated.

The SVTs can be separated into two groups, based on whether they involve the AV

node for impulse maintenance or not. Those that involve the AV node can be

terminated by slowing conduction through the AV node. Those that do not involve

the AV node will not usually be stopped by AV nodal blocking maneuvers. These

maneuvers are still useful however, as transient AV block will often unmask the

underlying rhythm abnormality.

AV nodal blocking can be achieved in at least three different ways:

Physical maneuver A number of physical maneuvers cause increased AV nodal block,

principally through activation of the parasympathetic nervous system, conducted

to the heart by the vagus nerve. These manipulations are therefore collectively

referred to as vagal maneuvers.

The Valsalva maneuver should be the first vagal maneuver tried.[4] It works by

increasing intra-thoracic pressure and affecting baro-receptors (pressure

sensors) within the arch of the aorta. It is carried out by asking the patient

to hold their breath and try to exhale forcibly as if straining during a bowel

movement, or by getting them to hold their nose and blow out against it.

There are many other vagal maneuvers including: holding ones breath for a few

seconds, coughing, plunging the face into cold water, via the diving reflex,

drinking a glass of ice cold water, and standing on one's head. Carotid sinus

massage, carried out by firmly pressing the bulb at the top of one of the

carotid arteries in the neck, is effective but is often not recommended due to

risks of stroke in those with plaque in the carotid arteries.

If necessary, the act of defecation can sometimes halt an episode, again through

vagal stimulation. Urination has also been found to work especially if there has

been a delay in voiding

Medications

Termination of PSVT following adenosineAdenosine, an ultra short acting AV nodal

blocking agent, is indicated if vagal maneuvers are not effective. If this

works, followup therapy with diltiazem, verapamil or metoprolol may be

indicated. SVT that does not involve the AV node may respond to other

anti-arrhythmic drugs such as sotalol or amiodarone.

In pregnancy, adenosine is the treatment of choice as recommended by the

ACC/AHA/ESC Guidelines for the Management of Patients With Supraventricular

Arrhythmias.

Cardioversion If the patient is unstable or other treatments have not been

effective, cardioversion may be used, and is almost always effective.

Atrial fibrillation AF or A-fib

ManagementMain article: Management of atrial fibrillation

The main goals of treatment are to prevent circulatory instability and stroke.

Rate or rhythm control are used to achieve the former, while anticoagulation is

used to decrease the risk of the latter. If cardiovascularly unstable due to

uncontrolled tachycardia, immediate cardioversion is indicated.

AnticoagulationAnticoagulation can be achieved through a number of means

including the use of aspirin, heparin, warfarin, and dabigatran. Which method is

used depends on a number issues including: cost, risk of stroke, risk of falls,

compliance, and speed of desired onset of anticoagulation.

Rate control versus rhythm control using drugsAF can cause disabling and

annoying symptoms. Palpitations, angina, lassitude (weariness), and decreased

exercise tolerance are related to rapid heart rate and inefficient cardiac

output caused by AF. Furthermore, AF with a persistent rapid rate can cause a

form of heart failure called tachycardia induced cardiomyopathy. This can

significantly increase mortality and morbidity, which can be prevented by early

and adequate treatment of the AF.

There are two ways to approach these symptoms using drugs: rate control and

rhythm control. Rate control seeks to reduce the heart rate to one that is

closer to normal, usually 60 to 100 bpm, without trying to convert to a regular

rhythm. Rhythm control seeks to restore with cardioversion the regular heart

rhythm and maintain it with drugs. Studies suggest that rhythm control is mainly

a concern in newly diagnosed AF, while rate control is more important in the

chronic phase. As far as mortality is concerned, the AFFIRM trial showed that

there is no statistical difference with rate control treatment versus rhythm

control treatment.

The AFFIRM study also showed no difference in risk of stroke in patients who

have converted to a normal rhythm with anti-arrhythmic treatment, compared to

those who have only rate control. AF is associated with a reduced quality of

life, and while some studies indicate that rhythm control leads to a higher

quality of life, the AFFIRM study did not find a difference.

A further study focused on rhythm control in patients with AF and simultaneous

heart failure, based on the premise that AF confers a higher mortality risk in

heart failure. In this setting, too, rhythm control offered no advantage

compared to rate control.[28]

In patients with a fast ventricular response, intravenous magnesium

significantly increases the chances of successful rate and rhythm control in the

urgent setting without significant side-effects.[29] A patient with hemodynamic

instability, mental status changes, preexcitation, or angina will require urgent

synchronized DC cardioversion.[5] Otherwise the decision of rate control versus

rhythm control using drugs is made. This is based on a number of criteria that

includes whether or not symptoms persist with rate control.

Rate controlRate control is achieved with medications that work by increasing

the degree of block at the level of the AV node, effectively decreasing the

number of impulses that conduct down into the ventricles. This can be done with:

Beta blockers (preferably the " cardioselective " beta blockers such as

metoprolol, atenolol, bisoprolol, nebivolol)

Non-dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers (i.e. diltiazem or verapamil)

Cardiac glycosides (i.e. digoxin) - have limited use, apart from in the

sedentary elderly patient

In addition to these agents, amiodarone has some AV node blocking effects

(particularly when administered intravenously), and can be used in individuals

when other agents are contraindicated or ineffective (particularly due to

hypotension).

Diltiazem has been shown to be more effective than either digoxin or amiodarone.

CardioversionCardioversion is a noninvasive conversion of an irregular heartbeat

to a normal heartbeat using electrical or chemical means:

Electrical cardioversion involves the restoration of normal heart rhythm through

the application of a DC electrical shock.

Chemical cardioversion is performed with drugs, such as amiodarone, dronedarone,

procainamide, ibutilide, propafenone or flecainide.

Vernakalant has been found to safely and rapidly covert new onset atrial

fibrillation.

Ablation If rhythm control is desired and cannot be maintained by medication or

cardioversion, electrophysiological studies with pathway ablation may be

attempted.

> >

> > Hi,

> >

> > My mother was recently diagnosed with SVT (runaway heart) and during the

course of setting up the ablation surgery, it was discovered that she also has

Conn's Syndrome. I get that Conn's is creating the issues with her blood

pressure but at the same time can it be the cause of her extreme heart

palpitations at times?

> >

> > SVT has to do with electrical issues in the heart but I was just wondering

if anyone had heard of any correlation between the two. I do not want her to

have the heart ablation if it is caused by the Conn's.

> >

> > She is taking meds for the Conn's as of a few days ago and her urine smells

really awful. We are assuming that its the drug. Her adrenal glad is very

swollen today. Her surgery is next week and she will not call and tell the doc

that is swollen. She thinks they know that already. (they plan to do the

ablation and check out her adrenals at the same time when she is on the table)

> >

> > Please let me know if you have any input.

> > Any help is appreciated.

> >

> > Thanks so much-

> >

>

[Guest guest]

If meds for Conn's are working then most likely this is why the urine smells

really awful. More then likely the Conn's was causing her to not be able

concentrate her urine.

>

> Hi,

>

> My mother was recently diagnosed with SVT (runaway heart) and during the

course of setting up the ablation surgery, it was discovered that she also has

Conn's Syndrome. I get that Conn's is creating the issues with her blood

pressure but at the same time can it be the cause of her extreme heart

palpitations at times?

>

> SVT has to do with electrical issues in the heart but I was just wondering if

anyone had heard of any correlation between the two. I do not want her to have

the heart ablation if it is caused by the Conn's.

>

> She is taking meds for the Conn's as of a few days ago and her urine smells

really awful. We are assuming that its the drug. Her adrenal glad is very

swollen today. Her surgery is next week and she will not call and tell the doc

that is swollen. She thinks they know that already. (they plan to do the

ablation and check out her adrenals at the same time when she is on the table)

>

> Please let me know if you have any input.

> Any help is appreciated.

>

> Thanks so much-

>

[Guest guest]

I think that google docs can be set up to give us this type of information.

> > > >

> > > > Hi,

> > > >

> > > > My mother was recently diagnosed with SVT (runaway heart) and

> > during the course of setting up the ablation surgery, it was

> > discovered that she also has Conn's Syndrome. I get that Conn's is

> > creating the issues with her blood pressure but at the same time can

> > it be the cause of her extreme heart palpitations at times?

> > > >

> > > > SVT has to do with electrical issues in the heart but I was just

> > wondering if anyone had heard of any correlation between the two. I

> > do not want her to have the heart ablation if it is caused by the

> > Conn's.

> > > >

> > > > She is taking meds for the Conn's as of a few days ago and her

> > urine smells really awful. We are assuming that its the drug. Her

> > adrenal glad is very swollen today. Her surgery is next week and she

> > will not call and tell the doc that is swollen. She thinks they know

> > that already. (they plan to do the ablation and check out her

> > adrenals at the same time when she is on the table)

> > > >

> > > > Please let me know if you have any input.

> > > > Any help is appreciated.

> > > >

> > > > Thanks so much-

> > > >

> > >

> >

> >

> >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Hello,

I want to thank you all for your replies. My moms surgery is Wed for the SVT

ablation. They wanted her to be free of the SVT medicine so they can induce and

therefore fix her electrical issues.

We had a scare on Sat. as my mom was coming off of the metoprolol and had a

seizure. Thank God my Dad was home. She took a quarter of one of the metoprolol

pills and seems to be doing fine now. She didnt really have time to taper off in

a more gradual fashion. She hasnt taken any today and is fine so far and her bp

is finally staying down. No runaway issues yet..just a bit of shortness of

breath. She feels much better actually without the side effects the metopolol

brings.I am praying she will be alright until Wednesday as the metop continues

to leave her body. (so stressful...it is like waiting for a grenade to be

thrown) Valium anyone? ha

Some history. She was to have a CAT scan on her kidneys last week to check out

the kidney pain she was having. She is not allergic to seafood but is allergic

to CAT scan dye. They gave her something to take before the CAT scan and soon

found she was allergic to that too the day the scan was to take place! They of

course cancelled the CAT scan and sent her to the ER as her BP was through the

roof and wouldnt not lessen for hours. That is when the doc said you have Conn's

just as sure as Im standing here.

From that point, Conn's medication was given. Spiro and Hydralazine.

That is when her urine started smelling. She started doing better when the

compounds she was allergic to were finally out of her system.

Now the course is to get off the SVT so the ablation can be a success.

It must be out of her system or the surgery will be for naught. The reason I

wrote in is because we dont have a lot of time to discover just what Conn's is

all about. I was hoping it was the cause of her SVT but it has been explained to

me they are two different things entirely. She has no AFIB....straight SVT is

what she has.

Someone asked if she urinated a lot at night. She told me about 7 times! At any

rate, she is wanting to get to the bottom of all of this so she can have her

life back. My prayer is that we can make it until Wednesday with no fainting

falling strokes etc.

The doctor said they will check her over for confirmation of Conn's at some

point when she is on the table for the ablation.

I want to thank you all again for your comments. God bless you all and thanks

for being out there!

L

> > > > >

> > > > > Hi,

> > > > >

> > > > > My mother was recently diagnosed with SVT (runaway heart) and

> > > during the course of setting up the ablation surgery, it was

> > > discovered that she also has Conn's Syndrome. I get that Conn's is

> > > creating the issues with her blood pressure but at the same time can

> > > it be the cause of her extreme heart palpitations at times?

> > > > >

> > > > > SVT has to do with electrical issues in the heart but I was just

> > > wondering if anyone had heard of any correlation between the two. I

> > > do not want her to have the heart ablation if it is caused by the

> > > Conn's.

> > > > >

> > > > > She is taking meds for the Conn's as of a few days ago and her

> > > urine smells really awful. We are assuming that its the drug. Her

> > > adrenal glad is very swollen today. Her surgery is next week and she

> > > will not call and tell the doc that is swollen. She thinks they know

> > > that already. (they plan to do the ablation and check out her

> > > adrenals at the same time when she is on the table)

> > > > >

> > > > > Please let me know if you have any input.

> > > > > Any help is appreciated.

> > > > >

> > > > > Thanks so much-

> > > > >

> > > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Sounds like your mothers dr. dosen't know what he is doing.

> > > > > >

> > > > > > Hi,

> > > > > >

> > > > > > My mother was recently diagnosed with SVT (runaway heart) and

> > > > during the course of setting up the ablation surgery, it was

> > > > discovered that she also has Conn's Syndrome. I get that Conn's is

> > > > creating the issues with her blood pressure but at the same time can

> > > > it be the cause of her extreme heart palpitations at times?

> > > > > >

> > > > > > SVT has to do with electrical issues in the heart but I was just

> > > > wondering if anyone had heard of any correlation between the two. I

> > > > do not want her to have the heart ablation if it is caused by the

> > > > Conn's.

> > > > > >

> > > > > > She is taking meds for the Conn's as of a few days ago and her

> > > > urine smells really awful. We are assuming that its the drug. Her

> > > > adrenal glad is very swollen today. Her surgery is next week and she

> > > > will not call and tell the doc that is swollen. She thinks they know

> > > > that already. (they plan to do the ablation and check out her

> > > > adrenals at the same time when she is on the table)

> > > > > >

> > > > > > Please let me know if you have any input.

> > > > > > Any help is appreciated.

> > > > > >

> > > > > > Thanks so much-

> > > > > >

> > > > >

> > > >

> > > >

> > > >

> > > >

> > >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Need to find out what your mother's potassium is. Low potassium can be why she

had a seizure. Hydralazine lowers potassium and if you have PA it can lower it

to be dangerous.

> > > > > >

> > > > > > Hi,

> > > > > >

> > > > > > My mother was recently diagnosed with SVT (runaway heart) and

> > > > during the course of setting up the ablation surgery, it was

> > > > discovered that she also has Conn's Syndrome. I get that Conn's is

> > > > creating the issues with her blood pressure but at the same time can

> > > > it be the cause of her extreme heart palpitations at times?

> > > > > >

> > > > > > SVT has to do with electrical issues in the heart but I was just

> > > > wondering if anyone had heard of any correlation between the two. I

> > > > do not want her to have the heart ablation if it is caused by the

> > > > Conn's.

> > > > > >

> > > > > > She is taking meds for the Conn's as of a few days ago and her

> > > > urine smells really awful. We are assuming that its the drug. Her

> > > > adrenal glad is very swollen today. Her surgery is next week and she

> > > > will not call and tell the doc that is swollen. She thinks they know

> > > > that already. (they plan to do the ablation and check out her

> > > > adrenals at the same time when she is on the table)

> > > > > >

> > > > > > Please let me know if you have any input.

> > > > > > Any help is appreciated.

> > > > > >

> > > > > > Thanks so much-

> > > > > >

> > > > >

> > > >

> > > >

> > > >

> > > >

> > >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

PA dose cause the heart to not beat right. It looks like they have cart before

the horse.

> > > > > >

> > > > > > Hi,

> > > > > >

> > > > > > My mother was recently diagnosed with SVT (runaway heart) and

> > > > during the course of setting up the ablation surgery, it was

> > > > discovered that she also has Conn's Syndrome. I get that Conn's is

> > > > creating the issues with her blood pressure but at the same time can

> > > > it be the cause of her extreme heart palpitations at times?

> > > > > >

> > > > > > SVT has to do with electrical issues in the heart but I was just

> > > > wondering if anyone had heard of any correlation between the two. I

> > > > do not want her to have the heart ablation if it is caused by the

> > > > Conn's.

> > > > > >

> > > > > > She is taking meds for the Conn's as of a few days ago and her

> > > > urine smells really awful. We are assuming that its the drug. Her

> > > > adrenal glad is very swollen today. Her surgery is next week and she

> > > > will not call and tell the doc that is swollen. She thinks they know

> > > > that already. (they plan to do the ablation and check out her

> > > > adrenals at the same time when she is on the table)

> > > > > >

> > > > > > Please let me know if you have any input.

> > > > > > Any help is appreciated.

> > > > > >

> > > > > > Thanks so much-

> > > > > >

> > > > >

> > > >

> > > >

> > > >

> > > >

> > >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Should have looked closer at name of med. I was thinking it was

hydrochlorothiazide.

> > > > > >

> > > > > > From: Francis Bill SUSPECTED PA <georgewbill@>

> > > > > > Subject: Re: Conn's syndrome and SVT

> > > > > > To: hyperaldosteronism

> > > > > > Date: Saturday, March 19, 2011, 11:22 AM

> > > > > >

> > > > > >

> > > > > > For both atrial fibrillation or Supraventricular tachycardia there

> > > > > > are other ways to treat them besides surgery? In fact surgery seem a

> > > > > > last resort for both.

> > > > > >

> > > > > > From Wikipedia. Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT)

> > > > > > TreatmentIn general, SVT is threatening, but episodes can be treated

> > > > > > or prevented. While some treatment modalities can be applied to all

> > > > > > SVTs with impunity, there are specific therapies available to cure

> > > > > > some of the different sub-types. Cure requires intimate knowledge of

> > > > > > how and where the arrhythmia is initiated and propagated.

> > > > > >

> > > > > > The SVTs can be separated into two groups, based on whether they

> > > > > > involve the AV node for impulse maintenance or not. Those that

> > > > > > involve the AV node can be terminated by slowing conduction through

> > > > > > the AV node. Those that do not involve the AV node will not usually

> > > > > > be stopped by AV nodal blocking maneuvers. These maneuvers are still

> > > > > > useful however, as transient AV block will often unmask the

> > > > > > underlying rhythm abnormality.

> > > > > >

> > > > > > AV nodal blocking can be achieved in at least three different ways:

> > > > > >

> > > > > > Physical maneuver A number of physical maneuvers cause increased AV

> > > > > > nodal block, principally through activation of the parasympathetic

> > > > > > nervous system, conducted to the heart by the vagus nerve. These

> > > > > > manipulations are therefore collectively referred to as vagal

> > > > > > maneuvers.

> > > > > >

> > > > > > The Valsalva maneuver should be the first vagal maneuver tried.[4]

> > > > > > It works by increasing intra-thoracic pressure and affecting baro-

> > > > > > receptors (pressure sensors) within the arch of the aorta. It is

> > > > > > carried out by asking the patient to hold their breath and try to

> > > > > > exhale forcibly as if straining during a bowel movement, or by

> > > > > > getting them to hold their nose and blow out against it.

> > > > > >

> > > > > > There are many other vagal maneuvers including: holding ones breath

> > > > > > for a few seconds, coughing, plunging the face into cold water, via

> > > > > > the diving reflex, drinking a glass of ice cold water, and standing

> > > > > > on one's head. Carotid sinus massage, carried out by firmly pressing

> > > > > > the bulb at the top of one of the carotid arteries in the neck, is

> > > > > > effective but is often not recommended due to risks of stroke in

> > > > > > those with plaque in the carotid arteries.

> > > > > >

> > > > > > If necessary, the act of defecation can sometimes halt an episode,

> > > > > > again through vagal stimulation. Urination has also been found to

> > > > > > work especially if there has been a delay in voiding

> > > > > >

> > > > > > Medications

> > > > > > Termination of PSVT following adenosineAdenosine, an ultra short

> > > > > > acting AV nodal blocking agent, is indicated if vagal maneuvers are

> > > > > > not effective. If this works, followup therapy with diltiazem,

> > > > > > verapamil or metoprolol may be indicated. SVT that does not involve

> > > > > > the AV node may respond to other anti-arrhythmic drugs such as

> > > > > > sotalol or amiodarone.

> > > > > >

> > > > > > In pregnancy, adenosine is the treatment of choice as recommended by

> > > > > > the ACC/AHA/ESC Guidelines for the Management of Patients With

> > > > > > Supraventricular Arrhythmias.

> > > > > >

> > > > > > Cardioversion If the patient is unstable or other treatments have

> > > > > > not been effective, cardioversion may be used, and is almost always

> > > > > > effective.

> > > > > >

> > > > > > Atrial fibrillation AF or A-fib

> > > > > >

> > > > > > ManagementMain article: Management of atrial fibrillation

> > > > > > The main goals of treatment are to prevent circulatory instability

> > > > > > and stroke. Rate or rhythm control are used to achieve the former,

> > > > > > while anticoagulation is used to decrease the risk of the latter. If

> > > > > > cardiovascularly unstable due to uncontrolled tachycardia, immediate

> > > > > > cardioversion is indicated.

> > > > > >

> > > > > > AnticoagulationAnticoagulation can be achieved through a number of

> > > > > > means including the use of aspirin, heparin, warfarin, and

> > > > > > dabigatran. Which method is used depends on a number issues

> > > > > > including: cost, risk of stroke, risk of falls, compliance, and

> > > > > > speed of desired onset of anticoagulation.

> > > > > >

> > > > > > Rate control versus rhythm control using drugsAF can cause disabling

> > > > > > and annoying symptoms. Palpitations, angina, lassitude (weariness),

> > > > > > and decreased exercise tolerance are related to rapid heart rate and

> > > > > > inefficient cardiac output caused by AF. Furthermore, AF with a

> > > > > > persistent rapid rate can cause a form of heart failure called

> > > > > > tachycardia induced cardiomyopathy. This can significantly increase

> > > > > > mortality and morbidity, which can be prevented by early and

> > > > > > adequate treatment of the AF.

> > > > > >

> > > > > > There are two ways to approach these symptoms using drugs: rate

> > > > > > control and rhythm control. Rate control seeks to reduce the heart

> > > > > > rate to one that is closer to normal, usually 60 to 100 bpm, without

> > > > > > trying to convert to a regular rhythm. Rhythm control seeks to

> > > > > > restore with cardioversion the regular heart rhythm and maintain it

> > > > > > with drugs. Studies suggest that rhythm control is mainly a concern

> > > > > > in newly diagnosed AF, while rate control is more important in the

> > > > > > chronic phase. As far as mortality is concerned, the AFFIRM trial

> > > > > > showed that there is no statistical difference with rate control

> > > > > > treatment versus rhythm control treatment.

> > > > > >

> > > > > > The AFFIRM study also showed no difference in risk of stroke in

> > > > > > patients who have converted to a normal rhythm with anti-arrhythmic

> > > > > > treatment, compared to those who have only rate control. AF is

> > > > > > associated with a reduced quality of life, and while some studies

> > > > > > indicate that rhythm control leads to a higher quality of life, the

> > > > > > AFFIRM study did not find a difference.

> > > > > >

> > > > > > A further study focused on rhythm control in patients with AF and

> > > > > > simultaneous heart failure, based on the premise that AF confers a

> > > > > > higher mortality risk in heart failure. In this setting, too, rhythm

> > > > > > control offered no advantage compared to rate control.[28]

> > > > > >

> > > > > > In patients with a fast ventricular response, intravenous magnesium

> > > > > > significantly increases the chances of successful rate and rhythm

> > > > > > control in the urgent setting without significant side-effects.[29]

> > > > > > A patient with hemodynamic instability, mental status changes,

> > > > > > preexcitation, or angina will require urgent synchronized DC

> > > > > > cardioversion.[5] Otherwise the decision of rate control versus

> > > > > > rhythm control using drugs is made. This is based on a number of

> > > > > > criteria that includes whether or not symptoms persist with rate

> > > > > > control.

> > > > > >

> > > > > > Rate controlRate control is achieved with medications that work by

> > > > > > increasing the degree of block at the level of the AV node,

> > > > > > effectively decreasing the number of impulses that conduct down into

> > > > > > the ventricles. This can be done with:

> > > > > >

> > > > > > Beta blockers (preferably the " cardioselective " beta blockers such

> > > > > > as metoprolol, atenolol, bisoprolol, nebivolol)

> > > > > > Non-dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers (i.e. diltiazem or

> > > > > > verapamil)

>

[Guest guest]

What is more likely to be the cause of her mother's seizure stopping the

metoprolol of low potassium?

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > > From: Francis Bill SUSPECTED PA <georgewbill@>

> > > > > > > Subject: Re: Conn's syndrome and SVT

> > > > > > > To: hyperaldosteronism

> > > > > > > Date: Saturday, March 19, 2011, 11:22 AM

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > > For both atrial fibrillation or Supraventricular tachycardia there

> > > > > > > are other ways to treat them besides surgery? In fact surgery seem

a

> > > > > > > last resort for both.

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > > From Wikipedia. Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT)

> > > > > > > TreatmentIn general, SVT is threatening, but episodes can be

treated

> > > > > > > or prevented. While some treatment modalities can be applied to

all

> > > > > > > SVTs with impunity, there are specific therapies available to cure

> > > > > > > some of the different sub-types. Cure requires intimate knowledge

of

> > > > > > > how and where the arrhythmia is initiated and propagated.

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > > The SVTs can be separated into two groups, based on whether they

> > > > > > > involve the AV node for impulse maintenance or not. Those that

> > > > > > > involve the AV node can be terminated by slowing conduction

through

> > > > > > > the AV node. Those that do not involve the AV node will not

usually

> > > > > > > be stopped by AV nodal blocking maneuvers. These maneuvers are

still

> > > > > > > useful however, as transient AV block will often unmask the

> > > > > > > underlying rhythm abnormality.

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > > AV nodal blocking can be achieved in at least three different

ways:

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > > Physical maneuver A number of physical maneuvers cause increased

AV

> > > > > > > nodal block, principally through activation of the parasympathetic

> > > > > > > nervous system, conducted to the heart by the vagus nerve. These

> > > > > > > manipulations are therefore collectively referred to as vagal

> > > > > > > maneuvers.

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > > The Valsalva maneuver should be the first vagal maneuver tried.[4]

> > > > > > > It works by increasing intra-thoracic pressure and affecting baro-

> > > > > > > receptors (pressure sensors) within the arch of the aorta. It is

> > > > > > > carried out by asking the patient to hold their breath and try to

> > > > > > > exhale forcibly as if straining during a bowel movement, or by

> > > > > > > getting them to hold their nose and blow out against it.

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > > There are many other vagal maneuvers including: holding ones

breath

> > > > > > > for a few seconds, coughing, plunging the face into cold water,

via

> > > > > > > the diving reflex, drinking a glass of ice cold water, and

standing

> > > > > > > on one's head. Carotid sinus massage, carried out by firmly

pressing

> > > > > > > the bulb at the top of one of the carotid arteries in the neck, is

> > > > > > > effective but is often not recommended due to risks of stroke in

> > > > > > > those with plaque in the carotid arteries.

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > > If necessary, the act of defecation can sometimes halt an episode,

> > > > > > > again through vagal stimulation. Urination has also been found to

> > > > > > > work especially if there has been a delay in voiding

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > > Medications

> > > > > > > Termination of PSVT following adenosineAdenosine, an ultra short

> > > > > > > acting AV nodal blocking agent, is indicated if vagal maneuvers

are

> > > > > > > not effective. If this works, followup therapy with diltiazem,

> > > > > > > verapamil or metoprolol may be indicated. SVT that does not

involve

> > > > > > > the AV node may respond to other anti-arrhythmic drugs such as

> > > > > > > sotalol or amiodarone.

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > > In pregnancy, adenosine is the treatment of choice as recommended

by

> > > > > > > the ACC/AHA/ESC Guidelines for the Management of Patients With

> > > > > > > Supraventricular Arrhythmias.

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > > Cardioversion If the patient is unstable or other treatments have

> > > > > > > not been effective, cardioversion may be used, and is almost

always

> > > > > > > effective.

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > > Atrial fibrillation AF or A-fib

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > > ManagementMain article: Management of atrial fibrillation

> > > > > > > The main goals of treatment are to prevent circulatory instability

> > > > > > > and stroke. Rate or rhythm control are used to achieve the former,

> > > > > > > while anticoagulation is used to decrease the risk of the latter.

If

> > > > > > > cardiovascularly unstable due to uncontrolled tachycardia,

immediate

> > > > > > > cardioversion is indicated.

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > > AnticoagulationAnticoagulation can be achieved through a number of

> > > > > > > means including the use of aspirin, heparin, warfarin, and

> > > > > > > dabigatran. Which method is used depends on a number issues

> > > > > > > including: cost, risk of stroke, risk of falls, compliance, and

> > > > > > > speed of desired onset of anticoagulation.

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > > Rate control versus rhythm control using drugsAF can cause

disabling

> > > > > > > and annoying symptoms. Palpitations, angina, lassitude

(weariness),

> > > > > > > and decreased exercise tolerance are related to rapid heart rate

and

> > > > > > > inefficient cardiac output caused by AF. Furthermore, AF with a

> > > > > > > persistent rapid rate can cause a form of heart failure called

> > > > > > > tachycardia induced cardiomyopathy. This can significantly

increase

> > > > > > > mortality and morbidity, which can be prevented by early and

> > > > > > > adequate treatment of the AF.

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > > There are two ways to approach these symptoms using drugs: rate

> > > > > > > control and rhythm control. Rate control seeks to reduce the heart

> > > > > > > rate to one that is closer to normal, usually 60 to 100 bpm,

without

> > > > > > > trying to convert to a regular rhythm. Rhythm control seeks to

> > > > > > > restore with cardioversion the regular heart rhythm and maintain

it

> > > > > > > with drugs. Studies suggest that rhythm control is mainly a

concern

> > > > > > > in newly diagnosed AF, while rate control is more important in the

> > > > > > > chronic phase. As far as mortality is concerned, the AFFIRM trial

> > > > > > > showed that there is no statistical difference with rate control

> > > > > > > treatment versus rhythm control treatment.

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > > The AFFIRM study also showed no difference in risk of stroke in

> > > > > > > patients who have converted to a normal rhythm with

anti-arrhythmic

> > > > > > > treatment, compared to those who have only rate control. AF is

> > > > > > > associated with a reduced quality of life, and while some studies

> > > > > > > indicate that rhythm control leads to a higher quality of life,

the

> > > > > > > AFFIRM study did not find a difference.

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > > A further study focused on rhythm control in patients with AF and

> > > > > > > simultaneous heart failure, based on the premise that AF confers a

> > > > > > > higher mortality risk in heart failure. In this setting, too,

rhythm

> > > > > > > control offered no advantage compared to rate control.[28]

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > > In patients with a fast ventricular response, intravenous

magnesium

> > > > > > > significantly increases the chances of successful rate and rhythm

> > > > > > > control in the urgent setting without significant

side-effects.[29]

> > > > > > > A patient with hemodynamic instability, mental status changes,

> > > > > > > preexcitation, or angina will require urgent synchronized DC

> > > > > > > cardioversion.[5] Otherwise the decision of rate control versus

> > > > > > > rhythm control using drugs is made. This is based on a number of

> > > > > > > criteria that includes whether or not symptoms persist with rate

> > > > > > > control.

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > > Rate controlRate control is achieved with medications that work by

> > > > > > > increasing the degree of block at the level of the AV node,

> > > > > > > effectively decreasing the number of impulses that conduct down

into

> > > > > > > the ventricles. This can be done with:

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > > Beta blockers (preferably the " cardioselective " beta blockers such

> > > > > > > as metoprolol, atenolol, bisoprolol, nebivolol)

> > > > > > > Non-dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers (i.e. diltiazem or

> > > > > > > verapamil)

> >

>

[Guest guest]

If her K is low enought to cause seizure should they be doing surgery on Wed?

> > > > > > > > >

> > > > > > > > > From: Francis Bill SUSPECTED PA <georgewbill@>

> > > > > > > > > Subject: Re: Conn's syndrome and SVT

> > > > > > > > > To: hyperaldosteronism

> > > > > > > > > Date: Saturday, March 19, 2011, 11:22 AM

> > > > > > > > >

> > > > > > > > >

> > > > > > > > > For both atrial fibrillation or Supraventricular tachycardia

there

> > > > > > > > > are other ways to treat them besides surgery? In fact surgery

seem a

> > > > > > > > > last resort for both.

> > > > > > > > >

> > > > > > > > > From Wikipedia. Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT)

> > > > > > > > > TreatmentIn general, SVT is threatening, but episodes can be

treated

> > > > > > > > > or prevented. While some treatment modalities can be applied

to all

> > > > > > > > > SVTs with impunity, there are specific therapies available to

cure

> > > > > > > > > some of the different sub-types. Cure requires intimate

knowledge of

> > > > > > > > > how and where the arrhythmia is initiated and propagated.

> > > > > > > > >

> > > > > > > > > The SVTs can be separated into two groups, based on whether

they

> > > > > > > > > involve the AV node for impulse maintenance or not. Those that

> > > > > > > > > involve the AV node can be terminated by slowing conduction

through

> > > > > > > > > the AV node. Those that do not involve the AV node will not

usually

> > > > > > > > > be stopped by AV nodal blocking maneuvers. These maneuvers are

still

> > > > > > > > > useful however, as transient AV block will often unmask the

> > > > > > > > > underlying rhythm abnormality.

> > > > > > > > >

> > > > > > > > > AV nodal blocking can be achieved in at least three different

ways:

> > > > > > > > >

> > > > > > > > > Physical maneuver A number of physical maneuvers cause

increased AV

> > > > > > > > > nodal block, principally through activation of the

parasympathetic

> > > > > > > > > nervous system, conducted to the heart by the vagus nerve.

These

> > > > > > > > > manipulations are therefore collectively referred to as vagal

> > > > > > > > > maneuvers.

> > > > > > > > >

> > > > > > > > > The Valsalva maneuver should be the first vagal maneuver

tried.[4]

> > > > > > > > > It works by increasing intra-thoracic pressure and affecting

baro-

> > > > > > > > > receptors (pressure sensors) within the arch of the aorta. It

is

> > > > > > > > > carried out by asking the patient to hold their breath and try

to

> > > > > > > > > exhale forcibly as if straining during a bowel movement, or by

> > > > > > > > > getting them to hold their nose and blow out against it.

> > > > > > > > >

> > > > > > > > > There are many other vagal maneuvers including: holding ones

breath

> > > > > > > > > for a few seconds, coughing, plunging the face into cold

water, via

> > > > > > > > > the diving reflex, drinking a glass of ice cold water, and

standing

> > > > > > > > > on one's head. Carotid sinus massage, carried out by firmly

pressing

> > > > > > > > > the bulb at the top of one of the carotid arteries in the

neck, is

> > > > > > > > > effective but is often not recommended due to risks of stroke

in

> > > > > > > > > those with plaque in the carotid arteries.

> > > > > > > > >

> > > > > > > > > If necessary, the act of defecation can sometimes halt an

episode,

> > > > > > > > > again through vagal stimulation. Urination has also been found

to

> > > > > > > > > work especially if there has been a delay in voiding

> > > > > > > > >

> > > > > > > > > Medications

> > > > > > > > > Termination of PSVT following adenosineAdenosine, an ultra

short

> > > > > > > > > acting AV nodal blocking agent, is indicated if vagal

maneuvers are

> > > > > > > > > not effective. If this works, followup therapy with diltiazem,

> > > > > > > > > verapamil or metoprolol may be indicated. SVT that does not

involve

> > > > > > > > > the AV node may respond to other anti-arrhythmic drugs such as

> > > > > > > > > sotalol or amiodarone.

> > > > > > > > >

> > > > > > > > > In pregnancy, adenosine is the treatment of choice as

recommended by

> > > > > > > > > the ACC/AHA/ESC Guidelines for the Management of Patients With

> > > > > > > > > Supraventricular Arrhythmias.

> > > > > > > > >

> > > > > > > > > Cardioversion If the patient is unstable or other treatments

have

> > > > > > > > > not been effective, cardioversion may be used, and is almost

always

> > > > > > > > > effective.

> > > > > > > > >

> > > > > > > > > Atrial fibrillation AF or A-fib

> > > > > > > > >

> > > > > > > > > ManagementMain article: Management of atrial fibrillation

> > > > > > > > > The main goals of treatment are to prevent circulatory

instability

> > > > > > > > > and stroke. Rate or rhythm control are used to achieve the

former,

> > > > > > > > > while anticoagulation is used to decrease the risk of the

latter. If

> > > > > > > > > cardiovascularly unstable due to uncontrolled tachycardia,

immediate

> > > > > > > > > cardioversion is indicated.

> > > > > > > > >

> > > > > > > > > AnticoagulationAnticoagulation can be achieved through a

number of

> > > > > > > > > means including the use of aspirin, heparin, warfarin, and

> > > > > > > > > dabigatran. Which method is used depends on a number issues

> > > > > > > > > including: cost, risk of stroke, risk of falls, compliance,

and

> > > > > > > > > speed of desired onset of anticoagulation.

> > > > > > > > >

> > > > > > > > > Rate control versus rhythm control using drugsAF can cause

disabling

> > > > > > > > > and annoying symptoms. Palpitations, angina, lassitude

(weariness),

> > > > > > > > > and decreased exercise tolerance are related to rapid heart

rate and

> > > > > > > > > inefficient cardiac output caused by AF. Furthermore, AF with

a

> > > > > > > > > persistent rapid rate can cause a form of heart failure called

> > > > > > > > > tachycardia induced cardiomyopathy. This can significantly

increase

> > > > > > > > > mortality and morbidity, which can be prevented by early and

> > > > > > > > > adequate treatment of the AF.

> > > > > > > > >

> > > > > > > > > There are two ways to approach these symptoms using drugs:

rate

> > > > > > > > > control and rhythm control. Rate control seeks to reduce the

heart

> > > > > > > > > rate to one that is closer to normal, usually 60 to 100 bpm,

without

> > > > > > > > > trying to convert to a regular rhythm. Rhythm control seeks to

> > > > > > > > > restore with cardioversion the regular heart rhythm and

maintain it

> > > > > > > > > with drugs. Studies suggest that rhythm control is mainly a

concern

> > > > > > > > > in newly diagnosed AF, while rate control is more important in

the

> > > > > > > > > chronic phase. As far as mortality is concerned, the AFFIRM

trial

> > > > > > > > > showed that there is no statistical difference with rate

control

> > > > > > > > > treatment versus rhythm control treatment.

> > > > > > > > >

> > > > > > > > > The AFFIRM study also showed no difference in risk of stroke

in

> > > > > > > > > patients who have converted to a normal rhythm with

anti-arrhythmic

> > > > > > > > > treatment, compared to those who have only rate control. AF is

> > > > > > > > > associated with a reduced quality of life, and while some

studies

> > > > > > > > > indicate that rhythm control leads to a higher quality of

life, the

> > > > > > > > > AFFIRM study did not find a difference.

> > > > > > > > >

> > > > > > > > > A further study focused on rhythm control in patients with AF

and

> > > > > > > > > simultaneous heart failure, based on the premise that AF

confers a

> > > > > > > > > higher mortality risk in heart failure. In this setting, too,

rhythm

> > > > > > > > > control offered no advantage compared to rate control.[28]

> > > > > > > > >

> > > > > > > > > In patients with a fast ventricular response, intravenous

magnesium

> > > > > > > > > significantly increases the chances of successful rate and

rhythm

> > > > > > > > > control in the urgent setting without significant

side-effects.[29]

> > > > > > > > > A patient with hemodynamic instability, mental status changes,

> > > > > > > > > preexcitation, or angina will require urgent synchronized DC

> > > > > > > > > cardioversion.[5] Otherwise the decision of rate control

versus

> > > > > > > > > rhythm control using drugs is made. This is based on a number

of

> > > > > > > > > criteria that includes whether or not symptoms persist with

rate

> > > > > > > > > control.

> > > > > > > > >

> > > > > > > > > Rate controlRate control is achieved with medications that

work by

> > > > > > > > > increasing the degree of block at the level of the AV node,

> > > > > > > > > effectively decreasing the number of impulses that conduct

down into

> > > > > > > > > the ventricles. This can be done with:

> > > > > > > > >

> > > > > > > > > Beta blockers (preferably the " cardioselective " beta blockers

such

> > > > > > > > > as metoprolol, atenolol, bisoprolol, nebivolol)

> > > > > > > > > Non-dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers (i.e. diltiazem

or

> > > > > > > > > verapamil)

> > > >

> > >

> >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Hi,

No the issues are two separate things.

The ablation (SVT)is over. All went well and I am so thankful.

Now they are going to check out the adrenal situation.

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > > Hi,

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > > My mother was recently diagnosed with SVT (runaway heart) and

> > > > > during the course of setting up the ablation surgery, it was

> > > > > discovered that she also has Conn's Syndrome. I get that Conn's is

> > > > > creating the issues with her blood pressure but at the same time can

> > > > > it be the cause of her extreme heart palpitations at times?

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > > SVT has to do with electrical issues in the heart but I was just

> > > > > wondering if anyone had heard of any correlation between the two. I

> > > > > do not want her to have the heart ablation if it is caused by the

> > > > > Conn's.

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > > She is taking meds for the Conn's as of a few days ago and her

> > > > > urine smells really awful. We are assuming that its the drug. Her

> > > > > adrenal glad is very swollen today. Her surgery is next week and she

> > > > > will not call and tell the doc that is swollen. She thinks they know

> > > > > that already. (they plan to do the ablation and check out her

> > > > > adrenals at the same time when she is on the table)

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > > Please let me know if you have any input.

> > > > > > > Any help is appreciated.

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > > Thanks so much-

> > > > > > >

> > > > > >

> > > > >

> > > > >

> > > > >

> > > > >

> > > >

> > >

> >

>