Sometimes, when you are very tired, or when you feel something big in your heart, such as great happiness, sadness, or fear, does your heart suddenly beat faster and your chest feels tight? Maybe your eyes turn blue and you feel dizzy? Don't be surprised, these things can happen even to a small child. Today we are going to talk about a special condition that occurs in the heart rhythm, which is a little rare but very important to know about.
What is CPVT (Catecholaminergic Polymorphic Ventricular Tachycardia)?
Simply put, CPVT (Catecholaminergic Polymorphic Ventricular Tachycardia) is a condition that occurs in the heart's rhythm. In this, the lower parts of your heart, that is, the lower chambers of the heart, or as doctors call them, the ventricles , suddenly start beating very fast and abnormally when you exercise, play, or feel a lot of stress, such as extreme happiness, fear, or excitement.
Think of it this way: our heart is like a water pump. It's the one that pumps blood throughout the body. So, when this heart beats too fast, that is, in an abnormal rhythm, it has a hard time pumping blood properly and sending it to all parts of the body. This is basically what happens in CPVT.
How common is this condition called CPVT?
Actually, this condition called CPVT is a bit rare . According to medical experts, it is estimated that only about one in ten thousand (10,000) people have this condition. So, not everyone may have heard of it.
Why does this CPVT occur? What is the cause?
Many people have a question, "Why does this happen?" The main reason for CPVT is a change in our genes, a mutation . You know, everything in our body is controlled by these genes.
- In most cases, you can inherit this genetic variation from either your mother or your father, or both.
- But very rarely, that is, very rarely, this genetic variation can occur in a new person's body randomly , without any genetic influence from the parents.
So, this genetic change causes a problem in the way calcium ions are controlled inside the heart cells. That's the main reason why the heart beats faster when the heart is stressed or during exercise.
What are the symptoms of CPVT? How do we recognize it?
Symptoms of CPVT usually begin in early childhood, usually between the ages of 7 and 12. Symptoms often first appear after a lot of running and playing , or when a person experiences strong emotions , such as joy, fear, anger, or excitement.
Here are some things that may be symptoms of CPVT:
- You may faint more often than normal, or feel dizzy or lightheaded. Sometimes you may suddenly lose consciousness for no apparent reason and fall.
- Heart palpitations are a sudden, very fast, pounding sensation that feels like someone is running inside your chest.
- Some people may even experience conditions like seizures . This happens because the amount of blood reaching the brain decreases when the heart doesn't pump blood properly.
Important: If your child suddenly becomes dizzy while playing, running, or jumping, or if they complain of difficulty breathing, don't just ignore it. It's important to seek medical advice immediately.
How does a doctor accurately diagnose CPVT?
If you or your child has these symptoms, a doctor will do several tests to confirm whether you have CPVT.
- Echocardiogram - echo test: This is like an ultrasound scan of the heart. It uses sound waves to clearly see the shape of your heart, how well the heart walls are working, whether the valves are working properly, and how blood is flowing.
- ECG (Electrocardiogram): This test takes a graph of your heart's electrical signals, or heart rhythm. A person with CPVT may not show any significant changes on an ECG when they are in a normal state.
- Exercise Stress Test: This is a very important test to detect CPVT. While you are running on a treadmill or riding a bike, your heart rate and ECG are continuously monitored. People with CPVT are more likely to have abnormally fast heartbeats during this exercise.
- Other imaging tests: In some cases, your doctor may recommend a more in-depth look at your heart, such as an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging ), a cardiac catheterization , or a coronary angiography .
- Genetic Tests: These tests look for specific genetic changes (mutations) that cause CPVT in a blood sample. This can confirm the disease and determine if other family members are at risk.
Sometimes your doctor may give you a small machine that you can wear for a few days or weeks. It's called an ambulatory monitor or Holter monitor . It records your heart's electrical activity throughout the day (24, 48, or even longer) while you go about your daily activities and do your normal household chores. This gives your doctor a good idea of how your heart is beating, even when you don't have any symptoms.
What are the treatments for CPVT?
If the heart suddenly starts beating too fast, that is, if it goes into a state of ventricular tachycardia (Ventricular Tachycardia) , it can be life-threatening. In such cases, an electric shock (Cardioversion or Defibrillation) may be needed to restore the heart's rhythm to normal. This is often done as an emergency treatment.
But in the long term, the main goal of treating CPVT is to prevent the heart rhythm from becoming abnormally fast and to maintain a normal rhythm. Your treatment plan may include one or more of the following:
- Medicines:
- Beta-blockers: (e.g. Lopressor®, Corgard®) These medications work by reducing the effects of hormones like adrenaline on the heart. This helps control the heart rate from increasing during exercise or stress. This is the main type of medication given for CPVT.
- Calcium Channel Blockers: (e.g. Cardizem®, Procardia®) Sometimes this medication can be given along with beta-blockers.
- Other heart rhythm control medications: Some people may be given other medications, such as flecainide.
- Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD): This is a small, battery-operated device that is surgically implanted under the skin of the chest. It continuously monitors the heart's rhythm. If the heart's rhythm suddenly becomes dangerously irregular, the device automatically delivers an electrical shock to restore it. Doctors often recommend an ICD for people who are at high risk and whose heart rhythm is difficult to control with medication alone.
- Left Cardiac Sympathetic Denervation (LCSD): This is a surgical procedure that removes some of the nerves that go to the heart. This can reduce the stimulation of the heart and reduce the risk of dangerous rhythms. This surgery may be considered for people with an ICD who are frequently shocked or who are not responding well to medications.
In addition, you will need to make some important changes to your lifestyle .
- Strenuous exercise , such as running fast or lifting weights, should be limited.
- For a young child with CPVT, it is best to stay away from competitive sports , as the excitement and pressure of winning a competition can cause the heart to beat faster.
- It is also very important to practice ways to reduce stress .
Can we prevent this CPVT from occurring?
Since CPVT is caused by a genetic mutation, there is really no way to completely prevent it from occurring . Because it is not something we can control.
However, once CPVT is recognized, if it is managed properly, that is, if the medication prescribed by the doctor is used correctly, lifestyle changes are made as prescribed, and regular visits to the doctor are made, even a person with CPVT can live a largely normal, high quality of life.
If someone in your family has been diagnosed with CPVT, it is important to consider genetic testing and genetic counseling for other family members, especially children. A genetic counselor can help you understand the condition better, talk about the chances that your children will inherit it, and discuss important issues such as what you can do about it.
What can be done to avoid complications that may occur due to CPVT?
If CPVT is not properly controlled, some dangerous complications can occur. You can do these things to reduce your risk:
- Talk to your doctor and develop a safe exercise plan that works for you. You don't have to stop exercising completely, but you should know what exercises are good and what are not.
- Limit caffeine- containing drinks like coffee, tea, some chocolates, and some soft drinks as much as possible, as caffeine is a stimulant and can increase your heart rate.
- Always pay attention to your symptoms . If you feel dizzy, have chest tightness, or have difficulty breathing, don't ignore any of these symptoms. Call your doctor right away.
- Never miss a day of medication prescribed by your doctor, take it at the right time and in the right dosage .
- It is very important to see a doctor on time and get the necessary tests. This is something you should do throughout your life.
What kind of future can someone with CPVT expect?
If left untreated, CPVT can lead to health problems and complications. Some complications, such as sudden cardiac arrest , can be life-threatening.
But, the good news is that with proper treatment and a healthy lifestyle, most people with CPVT can maintain a normal heart rhythm, greatly reduce the risk of these complications, and live happy, fulfilling lives.
If you have CPVT, you will need lifelong follow-up care to make sure your heart rhythm is normal. This means seeing your doctor regularly and getting the necessary tests. If you experience symptoms of CPVT, such as fainting after exercise, contact your doctor immediately.
Things to ask your doctor
If you or your child has these symptoms, or if you have already been diagnosed with CPVT, it would be very helpful for you to clearly ask your doctor about the following:
- What is the most likely cause of these symptoms? Is this CPVT?
- What other tests should I or my child have to confirm for sure if I have CPVT?
- What are the best treatment options for CPVT? Which treatment is best for me/my child?
- What are the benefits and side effects of these treatments?
- What should you do between doctor visits, to manage symptoms at home, or in an emergency?
- What changes do I need to make in my lifestyle (diet, exercise)?
- Are other family members at risk? Should they also be tested?
Finally, what to remember (Take-Home Message)
So, although the condition we've talked about at length, CPVT (Catecholaminergic Polymorphic Ventricular Tachycardia), may seem a bit scary, the most important thing is to recognize it early and get it treated properly.
With proper diagnosis, treatment as prescribed by your doctor, and some simple lifestyle changes, even someone with CPVT can live a largely normal, active, and fulfilling life. Remember, if you have symptoms, it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible without ignoring them. You are not alone in this journey, and there are skilled doctors and healthcare professionals who can help and care for you. So don't be afraid, face this with courage.
` CPVT, heart rhythm, heartbeat, ventricular tachycardia, genetic mutations, stroke, sudden cardiac arrest, child health
💬 අදහස් (0)
තවමත් කිසිදු අදහසක් පළ කර නොමැත. ඔබේ අදහස පළමු වරට මෙහි එක් කරන්න.
ඔබේ අදහස එක් කරන්න