Heart Beat: Talking it up: speech and atrial fibrillation
Heart Beat
Talking it up: speech and atrial fibrillation
Many things can set off atrial fibrillation (AF), the rapid and erratic beating of the heart's upper chambers. Triggers range from heavy alcohol consumption and stress to dehydration and downing an ice-cold drink. Cardiologists at Central Baptist Hospital in Lexington, Ky., reported a case of speech-induced AF in a 68-year-old librarian. She had noticed becoming unusually tired during family gatherings, meetings at work, or when talking on the phone.
A heart monitor showed frequent bursts of AF when she was talking, but not when she was quiet. By having the woman repeat the word "Mississippi" over and over again, doctors were able to locate the area in her heart responsible for generating the erratic signals. After destroying this tiny patch of cells with a procedure called catheter ablation, the woman's AF stopped and hadn't returned, the doctors reported at the Heart Rhythm Society meeting.
To continue reading this article, you must log in.
Subscribe to Harvard Health Online for immediate access to health news and information from Harvard Medical School.
- Research health conditions
- Check your symptoms
- Prepare for a doctor's visit or test
- Find the best treatments and procedures for you
- Explore options for better nutrition and exercise
I'd like to receive access to Harvard Health Online for only $4.99 a month.
Sign Me UpAlready a member? Login ».
Disclaimer:
As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles.
No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.