Chronic nonparoxysmal sinus tachycardia in otherwise healthy persons

Seven patients had chronic, unexplained, nonparoxysmal sinus tachycardia. The clinical, electrocardiographic, and electrophysiologic characteristics of these cases are described. In each case electrocardiographic and electrophysiologic observations suggested that tachycardia was nonparoxysmal and due to increased automaticity of the sinus node (or of an automatic atrial focus located very near the sinus node). The mechanisms of increased sinus node automaticity in these patients were explored using drugs affecting the autonomic nervous system. In each patient these studies suggested a defect in either sympathetic or vagal nerve control of resting heart rate, with or without an abnormality of intrinsic heart rate. Data are also presented on baroreceptor reflex arc function in these patients.