Reversible left ventricular diastolic dysfunction resulting from frequent supraventricular tachycardia

In two patients with frequent supraventricular tachycardia, echocardiograms revealed remarkable left ventricular systolic and diastolic dysfunction, associated with an absence of left ventricular filling during the early diastolic phase. This dysfunction was detected during normal sinus rhythm as well as tachycardia. By treatment with propafenone, both patients showed dramatic and rapid improvement of symptoms and the left ventricular dysfunction. Left ventricular diastolic dysfunction as well as systolic dysfunction were detected in patients with supraventricular tachycardia, suggesting that frequent supraventricular tachycardia results in severe left ventricular diastolic dysfunction which is reversible after control of the tachycardia.