Acid Reflux = Arrhythmia

Posted By Peter on September 28, 1998 at 21:09:45:







Hello I posted several messages last spring about the possible connection
between atrial arrythmias and GERD.  Briefly my story is a typical one where
being an otherwise healthy 38 year old male with no heart history, I suddenly
began experiencing atrial arrythmias 5 years ago.  I have done all the tests, including
an electrophysiology study.  All tests show no problem and everyone says I
shouldn't have this problem.  I have had 3 separate bouts of afib that needed
meds to convert.  A weird correlation with swallowing became very obvious.  Every
time I swallow the rhythm would pause and then respond with a rapid flurry of beats.
This would be most pronounced during exercise such as running when I could watch my
heart rate change from 140 to 240 immediately after swallowing.  The rate would
return to 140 with 3 or 4 seconds.  I asked for a Barium swallow and after
some insisting had it done.  The results show significant reflux (actually the worst my
family doctor had ever seen).  After being on Pantaloc and Prepulsid (treat the reflux)
the arrythmia went away.  I have resumed a completely normal lifestyle including strenuous
exercise.  This after being told I would be on meds the rest of my life with possible
AV ablation in the future.  I have been off the reflux meds for about 4 months and I am now
beginning to feel the return of the swallow-induced arrythmia (no afib).  I started the
reflux med (Pantaloc) on my own and the arrythmia is once again disappearing.  It seems
certain foods, and stress contribute to the arrythmia (classic reflux symptoms also).  I know
the connection is not by chance or some coincidence.  So my question is:  Has any research
into this connection been initiated by anyone?  I wonder if a permanent solution exists.
I have come accross many others with similar stories.  I sure think this is worthy of some
study.  Please respond.