Key result
Flecainide and bisoprolol resolve recurrent swallow-induced AF in a rare case.
Why the study?
Swallowing-induced atrial fibrillation is a rare and atypical trigger that requires recognition in clinical practice.
Case Report (n=1)
This case highlights the importance of recognizing swallowing as a rare, atypical trigger for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation.
Alerts clinicians to swallow as potential AF trigger; case report leaves open systematic evaluation of atypical precipitants.
We report a rare case of swallowing-induced paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF) in a previously healthy 50-year-old male. Initially diagnosed with paroxysmal AF and successfully managed on flecainide and bisoprolol, the patient became asymptomatic, and his Holter monitor prior to the latest admission showed he maintained sinus rhythm. However, after discontinuation of antiarrhythmic therapy, he presented with recurrent palpitations. Continuous telemetry monitoring during readmission revealed episodes of AF triggered by swallowing liquids, resolving shortly thereafter. Investigations ruled out structural heart disease, thyroid dysfunction, and electrolyte abnormalities. This case highlights the importance of recognizing atypical triggers of AF.
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Kenawi et al. (2025) conducted a case report in Deglutition-induced atrial fibrillation (n=1). Swallowing liquids was evaluated on Occurrence of atrial fibrillation. Swallowing liquids consistently triggered episodes of atrial fibrillation in a 50-year-old male, which were successfully managed by restarting flecainide and bisoprolol.
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