Atrial fibrillation precipitated by tyramine containing foods.

Episodes of atrial fibrillation that occurred after meals developed in a 60 year old man with a history of ischaemic heart disease. The attacks were precipitated by precursors and metabolites of tyramine and tyramine containing foods and drinks, in the absence of monoamine oxidase inhibitors. The patient has remained free of atrial fibrillation for the past twelve months on a diet that does not contain tyramine.