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Reversible left ventricular diastolic dysfunction resulting from frequent supraventricular tachycardia
T Nakao1, K Hasatani, S Okamoto
1Department of Internal Medicine, Suzu General Hospital, Japan.
Internal Medicine (Tokyo, Japan)
|July 1, 1993
Summary
Frequent supraventricular tachycardia can cause severe left ventricular dysfunction. Propafenone treatment rapidly reversed this dysfunction, highlighting the importance of tachycardia control.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Cardiac Electrophysiology
- Cardiovascular Imaging
Background:
- Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) is a common arrhythmia.
- The impact of frequent SVT on left ventricular function requires further elucidation.
Observation:
- Two patients with frequent SVT presented with significant left ventricular systolic and diastolic dysfunction.
- Echocardiography showed absent early diastolic filling in the left ventricle.
- This dysfunction persisted during both normal sinus rhythm and tachycardia.
Findings:
- Frequent SVT was associated with severe left ventricular systolic and diastolic dysfunction.
- Treatment with propafenone led to rapid and dramatic improvement in both symptoms and cardiac function.
- Left ventricular diastolic dysfunction was demonstrably reversible upon controlling the tachycardia.
Implications:
- Controlling supraventricular tachycardia is crucial for restoring normal left ventricular function.
- This suggests a potential mechanism of tachycardia-induced cardiomyopathy.
- Propafenone may be an effective treatment for SVT-induced cardiac dysfunction.