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Updated: May 22, 2026

Tachycardia-Induced Cardiomyopathy As a Chronic Heart Failure Model in Swine
Published on: February 17, 2018
The Not-So-Fast Tachycardia: A Paradoxical Rhythm Leading to Cardiomyopathy
Moez Alnazeer1, Carson Costa2, Jerry Fan1
1Division of Cardiology, Baylor Scott and White Health, Temple, Texas, USA.
A fast heart rhythm mimicking a junctional rhythm can be caused by atrioventricular nodal re-entry. Electrophysiology study can diagnose and treat this condition, resolving new-onset cardiomyopathy.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Electrophysiology
Background:
- An 88-year-old male presented with sinus bradycardia and bifascicular block.
- Developed an incessant, junctional-appearing rhythm (97-98 bpm) with normal QRS morphology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the mechanism of an incessant, junctional-appearing rhythm.
- To determine the impact of this rhythm on left ventricular function.
- To assess the efficacy of electrophysiology study and ablation.
Main Methods:
- Holter monitoring to assess heart rate variability.
- Echocardiography to evaluate left ventricular systolic function.
- Electrophysiology study to diagnose arrhythmia mechanism.
- Slow-pathway ablation for treatment.
Main Results:
- Holter monitoring showed marked rate invariance.
- Echocardiography revealed new left ventricular systolic dysfunction (LVEF 35%-40%).
- Electrophysiology study identified slow-fast atrioventricular nodal re-entry tachycardia.
- Successful slow-pathway ablation restored sinus rhythm.
Conclusions:
- Incessant junctional-appearing rhythms near 100 bpm can be due to atrioventricular nodal re-entry.
- This rhythm can cause new-onset cardiomyopathy.
- Electrophysiology study and ablation offer a curative treatment option.
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