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Atrial Fibrillation Triggered By Drug-Induced Bradycardia.
Gokhan Altunbas1, Suleyman Ercan1, Murat Sucu1
1Gaziantep University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Cardiology.
Journal of Atrial Fibrillation
|May 13, 2017
Summary
Atrial fibrillation (AF) can be triggered by slow heart rates (bradycardia), a previously unreported cause. This case highlights bradycardia-induced AF from combined beta-blocker and diltiazem use.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Electrophysiology
- Internal Medicine
Background:
- Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common arrhythmia with diverse triggers.
- Sympathetic and parasympathetic (vagal) stimuli are known AF triggers.
- Tachycardia-induced AF mechanisms are established.
Observation:
- Vagally mediated AF often occurs in younger individuals during sleep with slow heart rates.
- A novel case of AF triggered by severe bradycardia was observed.
- This bradycardia was linked to the combined use of beta-blockers and diltiazem.
Findings:
- Presents the first reported case of bradycardia-induced atrial fibrillation.
- Demonstrates a potential adverse drug reaction from combined beta-blocker and diltiazem therapy.
- Highlights an unusual trigger mechanism for AF in clinical practice.
Implications:
- Clinicians should consider bradycardia as a potential trigger for AF, especially in patients on rate-controlling medications.
- This finding expands the understanding of AF pathophysiology.
- Further investigation into drug-induced bradycardia leading to AF is warranted.
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