title: Tachycardia-induced cardiomyopathy: atrial fibrillation and congestive heart failure.
abstract: Tachycardia-induced cardiomyopathy occurs as a result of prolonged, excessive heart rates. Ventricular function may improve significantly upon control of the heart rate. We present a case of a patient with atrial fibrillation with rapid ventricular response who showed a dramatic improvement in left ventricular function following AV nodal ablation and insertion of a pacemaker. We also review the history and pathophysiology of tachycardia-induced cardiomyopathy.
authors.affiliation: Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA.
authors.forename: Jeff P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Steinhoff
authors.forename: Richard G
authors.initials: RG
authors.lastname: Sheahan
mesh_terms: D001281:Atrial Fibrillation / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis; D001283:Atrioventricular Node / Q000601:surgery; D009202:Cardiomyopathies / Q000209:etiology; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010138:Pacemaker, Artificial; D013610:Tachycardia / Q000150:complications