Atrial tachycardia is a condition originating somewhere in the atrium other than the S-A node. In atrial tachycardia the heart rate may be as fast as 200 to 250 beats per minute.
In normal condition the S-A node produces electrical impulse to regulate the regular heart rhythm and rate. In atrial tachycardia, for some reason the S-A node is suppressed and the impulse coming from other site of the atrium regulates the heart rhythm and it causes increased heart rate.
Atrial tachycardia is a supraventricular tachycardia which does not require atrioventricular junction (AV node), to initiate and maintain tachycardia.
Atrial Tachycardia Symptoms
- Pressure in the chest.
- An episode of fainting.
- Weakness and fatigue.
- Giddiness and lightheadedness.
- Fluttering palpitations.
- Breathing difficulty and shortness of breath.
Atrial tachycardia is common in children and adults and in those who have congenital heart disease.
Causes of Atrial Tachycardia
- It can arise in patients having normal heart.
- It can arise in patients having organic heart disease.
- It can arise occasionally with people eating tobacco, alcohol, coffee, overeating or gastric distension.
- Atrial tachycardia with A-V block can be a sign of digitalis toxicity, especially if hypokalaemia is present.
- Multifocal atrial tachycardia can be seen in chronic obstructive disease, pulmonary thromboembolism, or due to congestive heart failure.
Treatment of Atrial Tachycardia
- Certain anti-inflammatory drugs have the ability of changing the electrical signals and prevent rapid heart rhythm.
- Your doctor may use medication in severe cases to slow down the heart rate.
- Radiofrequency catheter ablation is a treatment employed to control arrhythmia.
- Cryoablation is another technique employed to treat atrial tachycardia.