Botox prevents irregular heartbeat after bypass surgery, study confirms

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Botox is a brand name of injectable toxin made from Clostridium botulinum. It is more popularly known for cosmetic use such as reducing fine lines and wrinkles. It works by blocking nerve signals which makes the muscles contract. However, a study posted online in the journal Circulation: Arrhythmia and Electrophysiology reveals that Botox can help prevent irregular heartbeat in patients who have undergone bypass surgery.

"About a third of all patients undergoing bypass surgery will develop atrial fibrillation, putting them at higher risk for cardiovascular complications," said lead researcher Dr. Jonathan Steinberg, arrhythmia institute director at Valley Health System and professor at Univerisity of Rochester, via Science Daily. "Atrial fibrillation is also always associated with lengthened hospitalization and that means increased healthcare costs."

A-fib, atrial fibrillation or abnormal heartbeat in post-op patients can pose much danger as it can lead to episodes of stroke or heart attack, kidney damage or even death.

Dr. Steinberg and colleagues randomly gave 60 bypass patients in two Russian hospitals either Botox or saline solutions. The injections were given in four fat pads that surrounds the heart. All participants have experienced irregular heart rhythms and were scheduled to have the operation. After their operations, the researchers followed up after 30 days. They found that only 7 percent of the Botox group experienced irregular heartbeats while 30 percent of the saline solution group had arrhythmias. One year after operation, 27 percent of the placebo group had abnormal heart rhythms while none in the Botox group experienced it.

According to the report by Time, their study may greatly help patients stabilize their heart beats. By introducing Botox in the system, the heart rhythm may stabilize a little better.

"We believe these findings may be relevant to other forms of atrial fibrillation," Steinberg said. "Our patients all had atrial fibrillation prior to surgery and demonstrated long-lived atrial fibrillation reduction...extending out to one year."

According to Steinberg, one Botox injection per patient is enough to stabilize the heart rhythm.

"Atrial fibrillation that occurs after cardiac surgery is a short-term problem, that is, about one week, so a single injection should be sufficient," he said, via WebMD.

He added that the research is promising and that after further study and conducting it in larger clinical settings, Botox injections for bypass surgery patients may become standard.