Doc Thompson: Yes. She has super ventricular Tachycardia.
Bobby: What is it?
Doc Thompson: Tachycardias are rhythm disorders in which the heart beats faster than normal. Super ventricular means "above the ventricles," in other words, originating from the atria, the upper chambers of the heart. Super ventricular tachycardia, then, is a rapid heartbeat originating in the atria. These are sometimes referred to as atrial tachycardias. However, the atrioventricular (AV) node may be involved directly or indirectly, so AV nodal tachycardias are also included in this category.
Tara: What causes it?
Doc Thompson: Normally it occurs without any symptoms. However, it may be associated with a number of medical conditions, such as the following: Hardening of the arteries, heart failure, Thyroid Disease, Chronic Lung Disease, and Pneumonia to name a few.
Bobby: How did Claire get it?
Doc Thompson: She got it from Thyroid Disease.
Tara: What is Thyroid Disease?
Doc Thompson: Well Thyroid is actually a gland in her neck.
Bobby: Are there any symptoms Claire will have?
Doc Thompson: Yes. Right now she has Shortness of breath, anxiety and chest pains. When she's older she can also have palpitations the sensation of your heart pounding in your chest and dizziness.
Tara: Is there any treatment for it?
Doc Thompson: Treatment for super ventricular tachycardia focuses on decreasing your heart rate and breaking up the electrical circuits made by the abnormal conducting pathways. Treatment can be divided into 2 broad categories: halting the acute episode and preventing any new ones. One of the most important considerations in treating an acute episode of super ventricular tachycardia is how severely your heart function has been affected but she can still life a normal life with it. It's best not to let her play has hard has the other children and running isn't the best idea but at the same time when she's older you don't want to treat if she's fragile if she wants to run she can but there would be risks. She could have to have a heart transplant if she was very active one day.
Tara: When can we see her?
Doc Thompson: I'll bring her in has soon as we finish the tests.
Tara: Thank you.
*He leaves.*
Tara: She's never going to run. I won't allow.
Bobby: I don't think we have to decide this now.
Tara: I'm not going to change my mind.
Bobby: I really think it's up to her to decide when she's older.
Tara: I don't.
Bobby: You heard what the doctor said you can't treat her fragile like.
Tara: Well he's not a mother and neither are you.
Bobby: No, but I'm a father.
TBC
