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Intravenous verapamil for treatment of multifocal atrial tachycardia with and without calcium pretreatment
D M Salerno1, B Anderson, P J Sharkey
1Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis.
Annals of Internal Medicine
|November 1, 1987
Summary
Verapamil effectively treats multifocal atrial tachycardia by slowing heart rate and restoring sinus rhythm. Calcium gluconate pretreatment may reduce hypotension without affecting verapamil
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Clinical Pharmacology
Background:
- Multifocal atrial tachycardia (MAT) is a challenging arrhythmia.
- Verapamil is a calcium channel blocker with potential antiarrhythmic properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of intravenous verapamil in patients with MAT.
- To assess the effect of calcium gluconate pretreatment on verapamil's efficacy and side effects.
Main Methods:
- 16 patients with MAT received intravenous verapamil.
- Heart rate and blood pressure were monitored.
- 5 patients received calcium gluconate pretreatment.
Main Results:
- Verapamil significantly decreased heart rate by 21% (p < 0.0005).
- Sinus rhythm was restored in 8 patients.
- Calcium pretreatment minimized verapamil-induced systolic pressure decrease without blocking heart rate reduction.
Conclusions:
- Verapamil is a safe and effective treatment for MAT.
- Calcium pretreatment may mitigate hypotension associated with verapamil therapy.