Abstract

Atrial fibrillation is the most common rhythm disturbance in general population. We present a 19-year-old man who was admitted to emergency department with progressive weakness, intermittent nausea, vomiting, and palpitations for 1-2 hours. He stated that he had palpitations for the first time. His past history was notable for venlafaxine use for panic disorder. He was diagnosed with AF with rapid ventricular rate and admitted to coronary care unit. Medical cardioversion with amiodarone was attempted and normal sinus rhythm was restored. He had no additional problems during hospital stay and was discharged on anticoagulant therapy (warfarin sodium). Atrial fibrillation should be born in mind in cases presenting to emergency department with palpitations, chest pain, syncope, or weakness in order to provide early diagnosis and treatment for this important disorder causing many complications.

Key words: Atrial fibrillation, emergency, venlafaxin