The Effects of Pantoprazole on the Treatment of Palpitation in Patients with Gastro esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): A Case Series

Atrial arrhythmia is a common complication in patients with gastro esophageal reflux disease (GERD). The treatment of palpitation is relatively problematic in these patients, especially if there is not enough evidence of cardiovascular or systemic diseases. The esophagus is in close proximity to the left atrium posterior wall. Hypothetically, locally released cytokines from esophageal injuries could stimulate the left atrium and produce premature atrial contractions. In this study we aimed to evaluate the effects of pantoprazole on palpitation in patients with reflux palpitation. This study was conducted on patients presented with palpitation and symptom of GERD from January 2014 to June 2014 in the General Clinic of Imam Reza Hospital. In order to establish the precise effects of pantoprazole on the treatment of palpitation in GERD patients, pantoprazole was added to the beta-blockers during treatment, and the patients were followed-up for one month. In total, 10 patients within the age range of 21-35 years with a history of palpitation were enrolled in this study. The mean age of the subjects was 25 years, and the study group consisted of 6 men and 4 women. After a one-month follow-up, a significant reduction was observed in the palpitation of these patients (P<0.001). According to the results of this study, addition of pantoprazole to the treatment of palpitation was effective in patients with a history of GERD. Therefore, pantoprazole could be used as an effective adjunctive treatment for palpitation.