Wandering atrial pacemaker
Wandering Atrial Pacemaker
Wandering atrial pacemaker (pronounced: wɒndərɪŋ 'eɪtriəl 'peɪsmeɪkər) is a medical condition characterized by an irregular heart rhythm caused by varying electrical impulses in the atria of the heart.
Etymology
The term "wandering atrial pacemaker" is derived from the English words "wandering" (meaning moving aimlessly or without any destination), "atrial" (pertaining to the atria, the two upper chambers of the heart), and "pacemaker" (a device or system that regulates the pace or rhythm of something, in this case, the heart).
Definition
A wandering atrial pacemaker is a type of arrhythmia where the electrical impulses that control the heart's rhythm originate from different locations in the atria, rather than from the sinoatrial node (SA node), which is the heart's natural pacemaker. This results in an irregular heart rhythm, which can be seen on an electrocardiogram (ECG).
Symptoms
Symptoms of a wandering atrial pacemaker can vary, but may include palpitations, shortness of breath, dizziness, or fainting. However, some people with this condition may not experience any symptoms.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of a wandering atrial pacemaker is typically made through an ECG, which can show the irregular heart rhythm characteristic of this condition. Other diagnostic tests may include a Holter monitor, which records the heart's electrical activity over a 24-hour period, or an event monitor, which records the heart's electrical activity only when symptoms occur.
Treatment
Treatment for a wandering atrial pacemaker may not be necessary if the condition is not causing any symptoms or complications. If treatment is needed, it may include medications to control the heart rate or rhythm, or a procedure called cardioversion, which uses electrical shocks to restore a normal heart rhythm.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Wandering atrial pacemaker
- Wikipedia's article - Wandering atrial pacemaker
This WikiMD dictionary article is a stub. You can help make it a full article.
Languages: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
Urdu,
বাংলা,
తెలుగు,
தமிழ்,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
русский,
português do Brasil,
Italian,
polski