MCQ 11: Tachycardia induced cardiomyopathy

Q. Most common cause of tachycardia induced cardiomyopathy is?
A. Atrial flutter
B. Atrial fibrillation
C. Ventricular tachycardia
D. Ventricular fibrillation


Answer: B

Explanation:

• Tachycardia induced cardiomyopathy (TIC) is defined as systolic and/or diastolic ventricular dysfunction resulting from a prolonged elevated heart rate which is reversible upon control of the arrhythmia or the heart rate.
• It is a rate dependent cardiomyopathy and those patients with higher tachycardia rates develop TIC earlier.
• Abnormal calcium handling, reduced cellular energy storing, and abnormal energy use have been proposed as the underlying mechanisms responsible for this syndrome.
• Pathologic changes start as early as 24-48 hours after onset of tachyarrhythmia in experimental models.
• Most common cause is supraventricular tachycardia and of them most common sustained tachycardia is atrial fibrillation.