Non-invasive Vagus Nerve Stimulation as an Adjunct Treatment for Inappropriate Sinus Tachycardia
Department
Cardiology
Document Type
Article
Publication Title
The Journal of Innovations in Cardiac Rhythm Management
Abstract
Inappropriate sinus tachycardia (IST) is a type of cardiovascular autonomic dysfunction (CVAD) that mainly affects young women and has a prevalence of 1%-2%. IST is characterized by a sinus heart rate of > 100 bpm at rest with a mean 24-h heart rate of > 90 bpm associated with distressing symptoms such as palpitations, dizziness, and syncope. Here, we discuss a case of a 30-year-old woman who presented with complaints of tachycardia and associated symptoms, including dizziness, diaphoresis, and sudden loss of consciousness. The 24-h Holter monitoring was consistent with the diagnosis of IST. The patient had minimal improvement on β-blocker therapy. Due to persistent symptoms consistent with IST, she was started on non-invasive vagal nerve stimulation (n-VNS) therapy. Following 2 months of n-VNS applied twice daily over the carotid artery, the patient noted near-complete relief of her tachycardia and other debilitating symptoms. While n-VNS has recently been reported as a possible treatment for postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome, another type of CVAD, to the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of low-level n-VNS as a treatment for IST. Our case study highlights the need for further clinical studies on the benefits of n-VNS in treating IST.
First Page
6231
Last Page
6234
DOI
10.19102/icrm.2025.16037
Volume
16
Issue
3
Publication Date
3-1-2025
PubMed ID
40125494
Recommended Citation
Houff, A., Gros, B., Blitshteyn, S., Guido, R., & Fries, D. (2025). Non-invasive Vagus Nerve Stimulation as an Adjunct Treatment for Inappropriate Sinus Tachycardia. The Journal of Innovations in Cardiac Rhythm Management, 16 (3), 6231-6234. https://doi.org/10.19102/icrm.2025.16037
