Drug-induced atrial fibrillation.
BACKGROUND
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia and an important cause of hospitalization, morbidity, and mortality. A myriad of drugs can induce AF. However, drug-induced AF (DIAF) receives little attention. Thus, this review is an attempt to attract the attention on this adverse effect.


METHODS
Published reports of drug-induced AF (DIAF) are reviewed in this paper, from January 1974 to December 2011, using the PubMed/Medline database and lateral references.


CONCLUSIONS
In most cases, DIAF is paroxysmal and terminates spontaneously, but sometimes AF persists and it is necessary to perform a cardioversion to restore sinus rhythm and avoid progression to persistent AF. Because of the short duration of DIAF, in addition to physicians/patients not being knowledgeable about this side effect, the real incidence and clinical consequences of DIAF are presently unknown. DIAF is an increasing problem, as some widely prescribed drugs can present this adverse effect. The risk is expected to increase in the elderly and in patients with comorbidities. It is important that physicians understand the significance of DIAF, to increase the collaboration between cardiac and non-cardiac professionals, and to educate patients to make them aware of this adverse side effect.
Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Universidad Complutense, 28040 Madrid, Spain. jtamargo@med.ucm.es
Juan
J
Tamargo
Ricardo
R
Caballero
Eva
E
Delpón
D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000009:adverse effects; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects; D001281:Atrial Fibrillation / Q000139:chemically induced*; D002317:Cardiovascular Agents / Q000009:adverse effects; D006801:Humans; D013566:Sympathomimetics / Q000009:adverse effects
D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D002317:Cardiovascular Agents; D013566:Sympathomimetics