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Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation in Heroin Intoxication
- MOSHE LABI, M.D.
- Requests for reprints should be addressed to Moshe Labi, M.D., Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Yeshiva University, 333 Southern Blvd., Bronx, N. Y. 10454
SUMMARY
The first six reported cases of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation secondary to heroin intoxication are described. In four patients rapid atrial fibrillation with slow ventricular response was documented before therapy with nalorphine hydrochloride. Five out of six patients had documented reversion to regular sinus rhythm after a phase of coarse fibrillation with fast ventricular response. Experimental evidence is cited that heroin acting similarly to morphine, to which it is metabolized in the body, causes anoxia and an increase in vagal tone. These are synergistic in producing atrial fibrillation.
Article and Author Information
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From Lincoln Hospital, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Yeshiva University, Bronx, N. Y.
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- Received May 21, 1969.
- Accepted July 11, 1969.
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