[Control of tachycardia with intravenous amiodarone in acute left heart failure]

The treatment of atrial tachycardia in critically ill patients can be difficult. Nine cases were presented with atrial tachyarrhythmias (mean heart rate > 130 beats/min) and left heart failure. Congestive heart failure was diagnosed in 6 patients (ejection fraction < 25%) and hypertensive heart failure in 3 patients (ejection infarction > 55%). The infusion of amiodarone (450 mg over 10 min and 0.5 mg/min after the bolus administration) was associated with a decrease in heart rate 31 beats/min and an increase in systolic blood pressure of 13 mm Hg after one hour. There was only one adverse effect secondary to amiodarone therapy. In this case the sinus rhythm converted within 24 hours but T-waves alternans and short running torsade de pointes ventricular tachycardia was observed and amiodarone therapy was discontinued.