Inappropriate Sinus Tachycardia Diagnosed and Treated as Depression Successfully Treated by Radiofrequency Catheter Ablation

Abstract

We experienced a man in his 20s with inappropriate sinus tachycardia (IST) initially diagnosed and treated as depression who was steadily treated with radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) using an EnSite™ system. The patient has remained well without any symptoms or medications, including antidepressants, for two years since the RFCA. To avoid missing IST and treating it as an emotional problem and/or mental illness such as depression, physicians - including cardiologists - should be aware of these conditions when examining patients with multiple and incapacitating complaints including palpitations and general fatigue and/or tachycardia, especially characterized by an elevated resting heart rate or a disproportionate increase in the heart rate with minimal exertion.