[Combination treatment of atrial arrhythmias with quinidine-verapamil]

Abstract

Between 1977 and 1979, a combined antiarrhythmic therapy with Quinidine and Verapamil was used to treat 66 patients (aged 16 to 69 years) with chronic atrial arrhythmias of different etiology. In 60% of the 43 cases with atrial fibrillation the combined therapy was effective in reversing atrial fibrillation to regular sinus rhythm. The frequency of successful responses to Quinidine - Verapamil amounted to more than twice compared with earlier therapeutic results with Quinidine only. In 65% of the 23 cases with atrial extrasystoles or atrial tachycardias a significant reduction of the ectopics could be achieved or a regular sinus rhythm could be established. Thus, the combined therapy with Quinidine - Verapamil is very effective in abolishing chronic atrial arrhythmias, especially atrial fibrillation.