# Deglutition-Induced Atrial Fibrillation in a Previously Healthy Adult Male: A Rare Trigger Unmasked After Medication Discontinuation

**Authors:** Adel Kenawi, Ayman El Masri, Hatem Abdelnasser

PMC · DOI: 10.7759/cureus.94395 · Cureus · 2025-10-12

## TL;DR

A previously healthy man developed rare swallowing-induced atrial fibrillation after stopping his heart medication.

## Contribution

This case highlights a rare and atypical trigger of atrial fibrillation unmasked after medication discontinuation.

## Key findings

- AF episodes were consistently triggered by swallowing liquids.
- No structural heart disease or metabolic abnormalities were found.
- Symptoms resolved after resuming antiarrhythmic therapy.

## Abstract

We report a rare case of swallowing-induced paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF) in a previously healthy 50-year-old male. Initially diagnosed with paroxysmal AF and successfully managed on flecainide and bisoprolol, the patient became asymptomatic, and his Holter monitor prior to the latest admission showed he maintained sinus rhythm. However, after discontinuation of antiarrhythmic therapy, he presented with recurrent palpitations. Continuous telemetry monitoring during readmission revealed episodes of AF triggered by swallowing liquids, resolving shortly thereafter. Investigations ruled out structural heart disease, thyroid dysfunction, and electrolyte abnormalities. This case highlights the importance of recognizing atypical triggers of AF.

## Linked entities

- **Chemicals:** flecainide (PubChem CID 3356), bisoprolol (PubChem CID 2405)
- **Diseases:** atrial fibrillation (MONDO:0004981)

## Full-text entities

- **Diseases:** thyroid dysfunction (MESH:D013959), AF (MESH:D001281), heart disease (MESH:D006331), electrolyte abnormalities (MESH:D014883)
- **Chemicals:** flecainide (MESH:D005424), bisoprolol (MESH:D017298)
- **Species:** Homo sapiens (human, species) [taxon 9606]

## Full text

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## Figures

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## References

12 references — full list in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12604610/full.md

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Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12604610