Atrial tachycardia: Difference between revisions
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{{Infobox medical condition | |||
== | | name = Atrial tachycardia | ||
Atrial | | image = [[File:Multifocal atrial tachycardia - MAT.png|Multifocal_atrial_tachycardia_-_MAT]] | ||
| caption = Illustration of atrial tachycardia | |||
== | | field = [[Cardiology]] | ||
| synonyms = Atrial ectopic tachycardia, AET | |||
| symptoms = [[Palpitations]], [[dizziness]], [[shortness of breath]], [[chest pain]] | |||
| complications = [[Heart failure]], [[stroke]] | |||
| onset = Any age, more common in adults | |||
| duration = Can be [[paroxysmal]] or [[chronic]] | |||
| causes = [[Abnormal electrical activity]] in the [[atria]] | |||
| risks = [[Hypertension]], [[coronary artery disease]], [[valvular heart disease]] | |||
| diagnosis = [[Electrocardiogram]] (ECG), [[Holter monitor]], [[event monitor]] | |||
| differential = [[Atrial fibrillation]], [[atrial flutter]], [[supraventricular tachycardia]] | |||
| treatment = [[Medications]], [[catheter ablation]], [[cardioversion]] | |||
| medication = [[Beta blockers]], [[calcium channel blockers]], [[antiarrhythmic drugs]] | |||
| frequency = Relatively uncommon compared to other [[arrhythmias]] | |||
| deaths = Rarely directly fatal, but can lead to complications | |||
}} | |||
'''Atrial tachycardia''' is a type of [[supraventricular tachycardia]] that originates in the [[atria]] of the [[heart]]. It is characterized by a rapid heart rate that exceeds the normal resting rate, typically over 100 beats per minute. This condition can occur in individuals with or without structural heart disease and can be paroxysmal or sustained. | |||
== Pathophysiology == | |||
Atrial tachycardia results from abnormal electrical activity in the atria. This can be due to enhanced automaticity, triggered activity, or reentrant circuits. In enhanced automaticity, certain atrial cells spontaneously depolarize at a faster rate than the [[sinoatrial node]], leading to a rapid heart rate. Triggered activity involves afterdepolarizations that reach threshold and cause premature atrial contractions. Reentrant circuits occur when there is a loop of electrical activity within the atria, causing repeated activation of the atrial tissue. | |||
== Clinical Presentation == | |||
Patients with atrial tachycardia may experience symptoms such as [[palpitations]], [[dizziness]], [[shortness of breath]], and [[chest pain]]. In some cases, atrial tachycardia can lead to [[heart failure]] or [[syncope]] if the heart rate is excessively high or if the patient has underlying heart disease. | |||
== Diagnosis == | == Diagnosis == | ||
The diagnosis of atrial tachycardia is typically made using an [[electrocardiogram]] (ECG). The ECG will show a rapid atrial rate with abnormal P wave morphology, which differs from the normal sinus rhythm. Additional diagnostic tools may include [[Holter monitoring]], [[event monitors]], and [[electrophysiological studies]] to determine the mechanism and origin of the tachycardia. | |||
== Treatment == | == Treatment == | ||
Treatment | Treatment of atrial tachycardia depends on the underlying cause and the severity of symptoms. Options include: | ||
* '''Medications''': Antiarrhythmic drugs such as [[beta-blockers]], [[calcium channel blockers]], and [[class I or III antiarrhythmics]] can be used to control the heart rate or restore normal rhythm. | |||
* '''Catheter Ablation''': This procedure involves the use of radiofrequency energy to destroy the abnormal tissue causing the tachycardia. | |||
* '''Lifestyle Modifications''': Avoiding triggers such as caffeine, alcohol, and stress can help reduce episodes of atrial tachycardia. | |||
== Prognosis == | == Prognosis == | ||
The prognosis for | The prognosis for patients with atrial tachycardia varies depending on the presence of underlying heart disease and the effectiveness of treatment. Many patients can achieve good control of their symptoms with appropriate therapy. | ||
== See Also == | == See Also == | ||
* [[Atrial fibrillation]] | |||
* [[Atrial | * [[Supraventricular tachycardia]] | ||
* [[Supraventricular | * [[Electrophysiology]] | ||
* [[ | |||
[[Category:Cardiology]] | [[Category:Cardiology]] | ||
[[Category: | [[Category:Heart diseases]] | ||
Latest revision as of 22:04, 5 April 2025
Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC
| Atrial tachycardia | |
|---|---|
| |
| Synonyms | Atrial ectopic tachycardia, AET |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | Palpitations, dizziness, shortness of breath, chest pain |
| Complications | Heart failure, stroke |
| Onset | Any age, more common in adults |
| Duration | Can be paroxysmal or chronic |
| Types | N/A |
| Causes | Abnormal electrical activity in the atria |
| Risks | Hypertension, coronary artery disease, valvular heart disease |
| Diagnosis | Electrocardiogram (ECG), Holter monitor, event monitor |
| Differential diagnosis | Atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, supraventricular tachycardia |
| Prevention | N/A |
| Treatment | Medications, catheter ablation, cardioversion |
| Medication | Beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, antiarrhythmic drugs |
| Prognosis | N/A |
| Frequency | Relatively uncommon compared to other arrhythmias |
| Deaths | Rarely directly fatal, but can lead to complications |
Atrial tachycardia is a type of supraventricular tachycardia that originates in the atria of the heart. It is characterized by a rapid heart rate that exceeds the normal resting rate, typically over 100 beats per minute. This condition can occur in individuals with or without structural heart disease and can be paroxysmal or sustained.
Pathophysiology[edit]
Atrial tachycardia results from abnormal electrical activity in the atria. This can be due to enhanced automaticity, triggered activity, or reentrant circuits. In enhanced automaticity, certain atrial cells spontaneously depolarize at a faster rate than the sinoatrial node, leading to a rapid heart rate. Triggered activity involves afterdepolarizations that reach threshold and cause premature atrial contractions. Reentrant circuits occur when there is a loop of electrical activity within the atria, causing repeated activation of the atrial tissue.
Clinical Presentation[edit]
Patients with atrial tachycardia may experience symptoms such as palpitations, dizziness, shortness of breath, and chest pain. In some cases, atrial tachycardia can lead to heart failure or syncope if the heart rate is excessively high or if the patient has underlying heart disease.
Diagnosis[edit]
The diagnosis of atrial tachycardia is typically made using an electrocardiogram (ECG). The ECG will show a rapid atrial rate with abnormal P wave morphology, which differs from the normal sinus rhythm. Additional diagnostic tools may include Holter monitoring, event monitors, and electrophysiological studies to determine the mechanism and origin of the tachycardia.
Treatment[edit]
Treatment of atrial tachycardia depends on the underlying cause and the severity of symptoms. Options include:
- Medications: Antiarrhythmic drugs such as beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, and class I or III antiarrhythmics can be used to control the heart rate or restore normal rhythm.
- Catheter Ablation: This procedure involves the use of radiofrequency energy to destroy the abnormal tissue causing the tachycardia.
- Lifestyle Modifications: Avoiding triggers such as caffeine, alcohol, and stress can help reduce episodes of atrial tachycardia.
Prognosis[edit]
The prognosis for patients with atrial tachycardia varies depending on the presence of underlying heart disease and the effectiveness of treatment. Many patients can achieve good control of their symptoms with appropriate therapy.
