Tachycardia induced cardiomyopathy

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Tachycardia induced cardiomyopathy, also known as chronotropic cardiomyopathy and tachycardiomyopathy, is a weakening of the myocardium (the muscle of the heart) that is due to prolonged periods of a fast heart rate.

The rate and duration of the elevation in heart rate necessary to cause a cardiomyopathy is unclear and is likely dependent on a number of unknown factors.

[edit] Treatment

The primary treatment for a tachycardia induced cardiomyopathy is correct the underlying tachycardia. Supportive agents such as beta blockers and ACE inhibitors / angiotensin receptor blockers are of benefit to try to prevent remodeling of the left ventricle.

If the tachycardia can be abolished, the heart muscle can recover after some time.[1]

Not only is there a need to control the tachycardia that is responsible for causing tachycardia induced cardiomyopathy, but also treating underlying conditions that cause tachycardia. For instance, treatment of hyperthyroidism can also lead to reversal of tachycardia induced cardiomyopathy.

[edit] See also

[edit] References

  1. ^ Calo L, Sciarra L, Scioli R, Lamberti F, Loricchio ML, Pandozi C, Santini M. (2005). "Recovery of cardiac function after ablation of atrial tachycardia arising from the tricuspid annulus.". Ital Heart J. 6 (8): 652–7. PMID 16161499. 
 This cardiovascular system article is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it.