What is the cause of multifocal atrial tachycardia?
Multifocal atrial tachycardia (MAT) is a supraventricular tachycardia resulting in a rapid, irregular atrial rhythm that is caused by multiple ectopic foci within the atria.
What happens in multifocal atrial tachycardia?
Multifocal atrial tachycardia (MAT) is a rapid heart rate. It occurs when too many signals (electrical impulses) are sent from the upper heart (atria) to the lower heart (ventricles). The external structures of the heart include the ventricles, atria, arteries and veins.
What is unique about multifocal atrial tachycardia?
Multifocal atrial tachycardia (MAT) is an arrhythmia that can be seen in a variety of clinical disorders [1]. In addition to a heart rate greater than 100 beats per minute (bpm), the characteristic electrocardiographic (ECG) feature is variability in P-wave morphology.
What are the risk factors for multifocal atrial tachycardia?
Hypoxia tends to be one of the leading causes of this arrhythmia. Some disorders that may make a patient prone to MAT are pneumonia, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), CHF, lung cancer/failure, and pulmonary emboli (PEs). Other risk factors include coronary artery disease (CAD), diabetes, and sepsis.
Does atrial tachycardia need treatment?
Atrial tachycardia is a type of arrhythmia — an irregular heart rhythm — that causes the upper chambers of your heart to beat faster than normal. This condition has several possible causes but is usually not dangerous. It is often curable or manageable with medication.
Can atrial tachycardia be life threatening?
Atrial tachycardia, as an isolated rhythm disturbance, is not considered a life-threatening condition. Some patients are able to control their episodes with life-style modification. This includes avoidance of caffeinated beverages, alcohol, sleep-deprivation, stressful situations, and anxiety.
How serious is atrial tachycardia?
Why does tachycardia sometimes lead to heart failure?
The rapid heart rate doesn’t allow the ventricles to fill and squeeze (contract) to pump enough blood to the body. Ventricular tachycardia episodes may be brief and last only a couple of seconds without causing harm. But episodes lasting more than a few seconds can be life-threatening.
Can you live a long life with atrial tachycardia?
The good news is that although AF is a long-term condition, if managed correctly, you can continue to lead a long and active life. There are a number of steps you can take that will help you manage your condition, lower your risk of stroke and relieve any worries you may have.
Is tachycardia related to heart failure?
Conclusions— Tachycardia-induced cardiomyopathy develops slowly and appears reversible by left ventricular ejection fraction improvement, but recurrent tachycardia causes rapid decline in left ventricular function and development of heart failure.
Can I exercise with atrial tachycardia?
DO stay active. Exercising is always good for your heart, and a irregular heartbeat doesn’t need to stop you. However, you do need to be extra careful. “When you exercise, your body is pumped with adrenaline,” explains Erica.
What can doctors do for tachycardia?
The treatment of tachycardia involves taking steps to prevent the heart from beating too fast. This may involve medication, implanted devices, or other surgeries or procedures. Medications. Drugs to control the heart rate and restore a normal heart rhythm are typically prescribed for most people with tachycardia.
Can walking reduce tachycardia?
Brisk walking, swimming and bicycling are potential options, says Dr. Reisman. Talk with your doctor to confirm your maximum heart rate and your target heart rate, which ranges between 50 and 85 percent of the maximum rate, according to the AHA.
Is tachycardia considered heart disease?
Tachycardia is an increased heart rate for any reason. It can be a usual rise in heart rate caused by exercise or a stress response (sinus tachycardia). Sinus tachycardia is considered a symptom, not a disease. Tachycardia can also be caused by an irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmia).