Jul 7, 2009 2:48 pm US/Eastern
Racing Heart Condition Sometimes Misdiagnosed
BOSTON (WBZ) ―
29-year-old Laura Grillo is a model who's famous for her body.
But she has a potentially deadly heart problem called
supraventricular tachycardia, also called SVT.
It's a condition that often goes misdiagnosed.
"Your heart pounds out of your chest. Your heart races. You're very lightheaded. You get dizzy. It's something very scary to deal with," she said.
As a single mom, Grillo worries about her seven-year-old daughter Mia.
"I want to see her get married. I want to see her get older. I want to be there for her. She's my only family. I need to be healthy for her."
Laura was put on medication, but the sporadic heart racing hadn't stopped, increasing the risk for a stroke.
So doctors recommended a
cardiac ablation.
"Creating a little burn that stops the circuit from causing the heartbeat to be fast," said Dr. Nazanin Moghbeli, director of the
Women's Cardiovascular Center at Pennsylvania Hospital.
Dr. Mogbehli says ablation is minimally invasive and usually successful.
That's when SVT is accurately diagnosed.
"I think there may be an overlap with the symptoms, and it's understandable why they're misclassified," said Dr. Moghbeli.
"They just thought I was having anxiety attacks. They gave me anxiety medicine," Laura said.
She had been having episodes for years. Various doctors dismissed it.
"There are so many women that are young and healthy and fit and still have heart problems. They are focused on it being a man's problem or condition and it's really not. They didn't think it was a big deal. It's a scary big deal. We're talking about my life," said Laura.
The symptoms can often be difficult to diagnose.
They can include palpitations, lightheadedness, dizziness, chest pain shortness of breath and even loss of consciousness.
If you're concerned, consult with your doctor.
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