"Orthoryhthmia" or postural cardiac dysrhythmia: clinical significance

The objective of present paper is to present results of preliminary observations and studies carried out in fifty individuals developing cardiac dysrhythmia on assuming a supine posture. Detailed history taking, clinical examination, and study of metabolic parameters were carried out. Blood pressure, ECGs and rhythm strips were recorded in supine and upright postures, after exercise and DMT, after i.v. injection of atropine and after oral administration of probanthine. Majority of the individuals studied were asymptomatic. Palpitation was the commonest symptom. Bradycardia was observed in all as well as a low blood pressure. Supraventricular ectopic rhythm was the commonest dysrhythmia observed. Arythmia appeared on assuming a supine posture and tended to disappear in upright position and after exercise. I.v. atropine had a similar effect in a majority of cases, oral probanthine was not very effective. These observations highlight the existence of a hitherto unreported effect of posture on cardiac rhythm. This phenomenon appears to be a benign condition and can be termed as "orthorhythmia".