The gastroesophageal acid reflux as a causative factor of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation

Abstract

The gastroesophageal acid reflux as a causative factor of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation: We present a case of a patient with very frequent episodes of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF) who, besides hypertension and well-controlled post-amiodarone thyreotoxicosis, had no other potential causes of AF. Because of symptoms of gastroesophageal acid reflux, the patient was treated with omeprazole which significantly reduced the frequency of AF episodes. Next, the patient underwent anti-reflux surgery and has now only sporadic recurrences of AF. Our observations suggest that gastroesophageal acid reflux may be a triggering factor of AF.