Miss Derry sets up network for SVT condition

Nineteen years ago the Buncrana woman noticed how frequently her heart would suddenly start beating rapidly.

Worried and concerned about this her mum took her to the doctor for help. For quite a while, doctors treated Pamela for anxiety.

However, in 2006 after a series of tests she was finally diagnosed with Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT). SVT, is a condition where the heart beats much faster than it should. A normal heart rate in a person at rest is about 70 to 80 beats every minute. With SVT, the heart may beat 140 to 250 beats a minute.

Since being diagnosed Pamela has adjusted her lifestyle to cope with the condition. However, one thing Pamela struggled with was the feeling of isolation, not knowing anyone else with the condition.

“I felt very alone,” she explained. “Once I was diagnosed and given my treatment there was very little support. So I thought about setting up a group on-line where people could tell their stories, ask questions and get support from each other.”

Pamela has now set up a page on the social media interface, Facebook, aimed at people living in Ireland with the condition.

“A lot of people use Facebook and I thought it would be the perfect place to connect with others no matter where you live in Ireland - in the hope that other people wouldn’t fell isolated like I did,” she said.

SVT hasn’t held Pamela back. “I still work as a private carer and continue to pursue my modeling career,” she remarked. She also gives her spare time to charity.

“I guess this support group is a way of helping others but also helping myself,” she said.

Anyone interested in learning more about SVT or joining the on-line group should search for www.facebook.com/svtsupportireland or email [email protected].