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Han, male, 42 years old, first consultation on August 28, 1980. In early May this year, he suddenly experienced palpitations, chest tightness, breathlessness, precordial pain, and irregular pulse. The episodes occurred frequently, lasting from 1-2 hours to as short as 3-5 minutes, and sometimes he would suddenly faint. An ECG at a hospital diagnosed left anterior hemiblock and rapid atrial fibrillation. Temporary control was achieved with intravenous Cedilanid, oxygen inhalation, and oral Segontin, but the condition frequently recurred.
At the time of consultation, he presented with palpitations, chest tightness, shortness of breath, lack of strength, irritability, insomnia, dizziness, a pale red tongue with thin white coating, and a wiry, thin, and rapid pulse. During episodes, the pulse showed a hurried pattern. Blood pressure was 140/110 mmHg (18.7/14.7 kPa), heart rate 70 beats per minute, regular. During episodes, the heart rate was 100-110 beats per minute, absolutely irregular. A grade II systolic murmur was heard at the apex. ECG showed: (1) left anterior hemiblock; (2) paroxysmal atrial fibrillation.
Treatment: Initially focused on nourishing blood and tranquilizing the spirit, resolving depression, and discharging heat. Sour Jujube Decoction with Salvia was prescribed for 7 doses, but no effect was observed. As the chest tightness, breathlessness, and precordial pain suggested pathogenic excess, Bupleurum Liver-Soothing Powder for regulating qi and resolving stasis was prescribed for 15 doses, also without effect. Further attempts with Salvia Decoction modified to invigorate blood and regulate qi only worsened the condition. Atrial fibrillation episodes persisted, with one lasting up to 5 hours, relieved only by oxygen inhalation and intravenous Cedilanid 0.4 mg. Heart rate was 90 beats per minute, with occasional atrial premature beats. Propranolol 30-40 mg/day was added, but by October 21, the condition remained uncontrolled. After much deliberation, it was concluded that the patient's palpitations, vertigo, lack of strength, and occasional hurried pulse were due to yin deficiency with yang floating, which was the root of the disease. The prescription was then changed to:

Tangshen 30g, Cinnamon Twig 12g, fried Jujube Seed 30g, Unprocessed Rehmannia Root 24g, Ophiopogon Tuber 24g, Chinese Angelica 12g, Donkey-hide Gelatin 12g (melting), Fluorite 30g, Prepared Liquorice Root 30g
One dose per day for 18 consecutive doses resulted in the disappearance of palpitations, chest tightness, and other symptoms. After one month of observation, atrial fibrillation did not recur, and the heart rate stabilized around 70 beats per minute. The patient was discharged.