Three cases with supraventricular tachyarrhythmias related to oesophageal t
ransit are reported. A 61 year old man had episodes of atrial tachycardia o
n each swallow of food but not liquid; this has been reported only rarely.
A 55 year old man had atrial fibrillation initiated by drinking ice cold be
verages; this has not been described previously although atrial tachycardia
triggered by drinking ice cold beverages has been described once. A 68 yea
r old man had supraventricular tachycardia initiated by belching; this has
not been described previously. These cases illustrate the diversity of atri
al tachyarrhythmias that can be precipitated by oesophageal stimulation and
suggest that what is regarded as a very rare phenomenon may be found more
commonly when sought.