[Amiodarone in the control of supraventricular tachyarrhythmias]

The clinical efficacy of amiodarone was observed in a group of 20 patients (9 women and 11 men) with a total 21 supraventricular tachyarrhythmias (16 paroxysms or premature supraventricular beats (PSB) and 5 with established arrhythmias), to whom amiodarone was given during one month: 800 mg/day the first week and 400 mg/day for 3 weeks. An electrocardiogram and a 24 hour Holter were taken before and after treatment. The results observed for paroxysmal arrhytmias and PSB were excellent in 94% and satisfactory in one patient. As for established arrhythmias the results were excellent or satisfactory in 80%. We conclude that ammiodarone is an effective drug with a wide security range in the treatment of supraventricular arrhythmias.