Atrial Flutter with Irregular Ventricular Response as a Contraindication to Digitalis

Abstract
Digitalis may have an additive effect on impaired atrioventricular conduction, so that atrial flutter with variable ventricular response may progress to complete heart block with ventricular asystole. Two cases are presented of atrial flutter with. variable ventricular response in whom ventricular standstill occurred during digitalis therapy. External electric stimulation of the heart can maintain the circulation in digitalis-induced ventricular standstill.