Related Experiment Videos
Reversible left ventricular dysfunction secondary to rapid atrial fibrillation
K Iga1, S Takahashi, M Yamashita
1Department of Cardiology, Tenri Hospital, Japan.
International Journal of Cardiology
|August 1, 1993
Summary
Persistent rapid atrial fibrillation can cause reversible left ventricular dysfunction, leading to severe heart failure. Recovery of heart function may take months to years, even after heart rate control.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Electrophysiology
Background:
- Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common arrhythmia.
- Rapid ventricular rates in AF can precipitate heart failure.
Observation:
- Four patients presented with severe congestive heart failure and left ventricular dysfunction.
- Patients had rapid atrial fibrillation (mean heart rate 159 bpm) without preceding infection or inflammation.
- Initial left ventriculography showed impaired ventricular motion and reduced ejection fraction (30%).
Findings:
- Left ventricular dysfunction and heart failure were presumed to be induced by rapid atrial fibrillation.
- Coronary angiography was normal in most patients, and right ventricular biopsy showed no myocarditis.
- Left ventricular wall motion normalized over 5-36 months following treatment with digitalis and diuretics.
Implications:
- Persistent rapid atrial fibrillation can lead to reversible left ventricular dysfunction.
- Recovery of cardiac function may be prolonged, emphasizing the importance of rate control in AF.
- This condition highlights a specific type of tachycardia-induced cardiomyopathy.