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Clinical experience with verapamil
Insights
Intravenous verapamil effectively restored sinus rhythm for supraventricular tachycardia and controlled heart rate in atrial fibrillation. This antiarrhythmic drug demonstrated safety with minimal side effects.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Supraventricular tachycardia and atrial fibrillation are common arrhythmias.
- Effective antiarrhythmic agents are crucial for managing cardiac rhythm disorders.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of intravenous verapamil in treating supraventricular tachycardia and atrial fibrillation.
- To assess the electrophysiological effects of verapamil on cardiac conduction.
Main Methods:
- Verapamil was administered intravenously to patients with supraventricular tachycardia and atrial fibrillation.
- Intracardiac conduction studies using His bundle electrograms were performed.
- Adverse events were monitored and recorded.
Main Results:
- Verapamil restored sinus rhythm in 33 of 40 supraventricular tachycardia episodes.
- The drug effectively reduced ventricular rate in atrial fibrillation.
- Prolongation of atrioventricular nodal conduction was observed in 8/9 cases; distal conduction remained unaffected.
- Bradycardia and hypotension occurred in two patients but responded to atropine.
Conclusions:
- Intravenous verapamil is an effective antiarrhythmic agent for supraventricular tachycardia and atrial fibrillation.
- Verapamil demonstrates a favorable safety profile with generally mild side effects.
Abstract:
Verapamil administered by the intravenous route restored sinus rhythm in 33 out of 40 episodes of supraventricular tachycardia. The drug was also effective in reducing ventricular rate in patients with atrial fibrillation. Intracardiac conduction studies using His bundle electrograms showed prolongation of atrioventricular nodal conduction in eight out of nine cases after 5 mg of verapamil were given. The distal conduction was unaffected. Bradycardia and hypotension occurred in two cases and responded promptly to intravenous administration of atropine. Verapamil is an effective antiarrhythmic agent which is, in general, free from significant side effects.