Perspectives on Integrative Medicine

Case Report

Delivery of Telemedicine to Manage Cardiac Palpitations with Herbal Medicine in a Patient with Premature Ventricular Complexes Following Catheter Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation: Jimin Kim, Hyungsun Jun, Jungtae Leem, Hyeryun Lee, Chul-Woo Ahn, Dasol Park; Perspect Integr Med. 2025;4(2):110-116. Published online June 23, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.56986/pim.2025.06.006

Graphical Abstract Abstract PDF: A patient living abroad who underwent catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation 3 years ago experienced recurrent arrhythmia symptoms 3 months ago and was diagnosed with premature ventricular complexes (PVCs) confirmed by Holter monitoring. He was advised to undergo repeat catheter ablation, however, he sought traditional Korean medicine (TKM) treatment advised via telemedicine. He reported continuous irregular heartbeats [numeric rating scale (NRS) score 10]. He was started on Yixin Tang, and by the 3^rd day of administration his symptoms of irregular heartbeats had disappeared (NRS 0) and did not return during the subsequent 320-day observation period. Pain caused by tightness in the chest and throat (NRS 8) did not show improvement despite various prescriptions; a noncardiac etiology, likely gastrointestinal, was suspected. Heart failure as measured by NT-pro BNP levels, was consistently elevated borderline, around 130 pg/mL, (possible heart failure), and on Day 320 it was normal measuring 50 pg/mL (heart failure less likely). No serious adverse events were reported following TKM treatment. This case suggests the potential value of TKM remote treatment in meeting the unmet needs of arrhythmia patients. Further research, including controlled clinical trials and development of telemedicine-specific guidelines, is warranted.

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