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[Atrial standstill and rheumatic mitral valvulopathy]
J L Moríñigo1, P L Sánchez, A Arribas
1Servicio de Cardiología, Hospital Universitario de Salamanca.
Revista Espanola De Cardiologia
|February 5, 2000
Summary
Atrial standstill, a rare heart rhythm disorder, caused severe bradyarrhythmia in 8 patients with rheumatic valve disease. These patients required pacemakers due to the loss of atrial electrical and mechanical activity.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Electrophysiology
- Cardiac Electrophysiology
Context:
- Atrial standstill is a rare bradyarrhythmia characterized by absent atrial electrical and mechanical activity.
- Rheumatic valve disease is a common cause of cardiac complications.
- Prosthetic valve replacement is a frequent intervention in patients with rheumatic heart disease.
Purpose:
- To describe the clinical presentation and management of symptomatic bradyarrhythmia secondary to atrial standstill.
- To highlight the association between rheumatic valve disease and atrial standstill.
- To emphasize the need for pacemakers in managing this condition.
Summary:
- A series of 8 patients with rheumatic valve disease experienced symptomatic bradyarrhythmia due to atrial standstill.
- Five of these patients had prosthetic valves.
- All patients required implantable pacemakers for treatment.
Impact:
- This case series underscores the importance of recognizing atrial standstill as a cause of bradyarrhythmia in patients with valvular heart disease.
- It highlights the significant role of implantable pacemakers in managing symptomatic atrial standstill.
- Findings may inform clinical practice regarding the evaluation and treatment of bradyarrhythmia in this patient population.