The Impact of Supraventricular Tachycardias on Driving Ability in Patients Referred for Radiofrequency Catheter Ablation

Abstract

SVT frequently occurs during driving and is often associated with hemodynamic symptoms including near-syncope and syncope. Women reported tachycardia-related hemodynamic symptoms more often than men. There is a correlation between having experienced near-syncope and considering tachycardia as an obstacle to driving. The risk for serious tachycardia-related symptoms should be considered, especially in occupational drivers.

2015 ACC/AHA/HRS Guideline for the Management of Adult Patients With Supraventricular Tachycardia: Executive Summary

“…In a study on the relationship of SVT with driving, 57% of patients with SVT experienced an episode while driving, and 24% of these considered it to be an obstacle to driving (29). This sentiment was most common in patients who had experienced syncope or near-syncope.…”

Impact of radiofrequency ablation on health-related quality of life in patients with paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia compared with a norm population one year after treatment

“…Symptoms such as fatigue, dizziness, and cold sweat are common and may contribute to a feeling of insecurity because of arrhythmia problems and lead to self-imposed restrictions in a person's daily life. [5][6][7]31 A study describing patients with SVT showed that as many as 50% had been near syncope while having h e a r t & l u n g 4 0 ( 2 0 1 1 ) 4 0 5 e4 1 1 a tachycardia attack and 14% had experienced syncope. 6 In a qualitative study, Wood et al 8 described the situation of patients with SVT.…”

“…[5][6][7]31 A study describing patients with SVT showed that as many as 50% had been near syncope while having h e a r t & l u n g 4 0 ( 2 0 1 1 ) 4 0 5 e4 1 1 a tachycardia attack and 14% had experienced syncope. 6 In a qualitative study, Wood et al 8 described the situation of patients with SVT. The patients lived with uncertainty, never knowing when to expect the next attack.…”

“…Frequent attacks are known to have considerable effects on the HRQOL. [4][5][6][7] In a few cases, the tachycardia attacks are not the only problem. Some patients report not being believed or having the symptoms trivialized, thus prolonging the correct diagnosis.…”

Living on a knife edge-the daily struggle of coping with symptomatic cardiac arrhythmias

“…Themes identified in our data demonstrate that at least for some patients, arrhythmias have a significant negative effect on their lives; leads to a perceived reduction in overall quality of life; impacts all aspects of their life: work, social, and daily activities; results in almost constant fear and anxiety; and requires enormous time to search for support and information. Walfridsson and colleagues [25] also noted SVT patients’ decreased engagement with social activities. Research has also found patients with SVT [26] and AF [27] report feeling uninformed, unsupported, and distressed.…”