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Tachyarrhythmias triggered by swallowing and belching
1The Royal Shrewsbury Hospital, Mytton Oak Road, Shrewsbury SY3 8XQ, UK.
Heart (British Cardiac Society)
|February 23, 1999
Summary
Supraventricular tachyarrhythmias can be triggered by esophageal stimulation. This study reports three unique cases involving swallowing, cold beverages, and belching, highlighting the diverse nature of these cardiac events.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Gastroenterology
- Electrophysiology
Background:
- Supraventricular tachyarrhythmias (SVTs) are rapid heart rhythms originating above the ventricles.
- Esophageal stimulation, such as swallowing or belching, can occasionally trigger SVTs.
- The relationship between esophageal function and cardiac arrhythmias is not fully understood.
Observation:
- A 61-year-old male experienced atrial tachycardia upon swallowing solid food, a rare occurrence.
- A 55-year-old male developed atrial fibrillation after consuming ice-cold beverages, a previously undescribed trigger.
- A 68-year-old male presented with supraventricular tachycardia initiated by belching, a novel finding.
Findings:
- Esophageal stimuli, including swallowing food, cold beverage ingestion, and belching, can precipitate various supraventricular tachyarrhythmias.
- The reported cases demonstrate a broader spectrum of esophageal-induced arrhythmias than previously documented.
- These findings suggest that esophageal triggers for SVTs may be more common than currently recognized.
Implications:
- Clinicians should consider esophageal stimulation as a potential trigger in patients presenting with unexplained supraventricular tachyarrhythmias.
- Further investigation into the mechanisms linking esophageal activity and cardiac arrhythmias is warranted.
- Recognizing these triggers can lead to improved diagnosis and management of specific SVT cases.