Tachyarrhythmias triggered by swallowing and belching

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.