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Atrial tachycardia is when the upper chamber of the heart have increased heart beat per minute than the standard, which will be as high as between 100 to 250 beats per minute. This condition is a type of arrhythmia or an irregular heart rhythm.
Atrial tachycardia may begin gradually or rapidly. Light-headedness, dizziness, and fainting are all symptoms of atrial tachycardia. Patient could also feel like their heart is pounding or racing. Although there are many potential causes for this condition, it is typically not dangerous. People who have undergone cardiac surgery or are pregnant may experience atrial tachycardia.
Other factors could also trigger this condition by alcohol intake, stimulant drugs, and an infection. Atrial tachycardia can be treated by stabilizing the heart rate with medications, vagal maneuvers, cardioversion, catheter ablation, implanted devices, as well as lifestyle adjustment for preventive measures.
Types of atrial tachycardia are the following:
- Focal: This type of atrial tachycardia begins in a particular area (focus) of the heart. Normally, it is not harmful but if it persists for a while, then it could cause harm.
In cases that there are more than one focus, it is called multifocal atrial tachycardia. This particular form of atrial tachycardia may be easier to diagnose but more challenging to cure. Numerous lung conditions, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), are the major causes.
- Micro-reentrant: This type is usually found in scar tissues related to post atrial ablation or surgery. This kind of atrial tachycardia affects a larger region. Additionally, it frequently occurs because the signal must pass through a region of scar tissue or a part of your heart.
Symptoms
Atrial tachycardia can occur without symptoms, and they can suddenly develop and resolve in a short period of time.
Adults typically experience the following symptoms when it occurs:
- Palpitations or rapid heartbeat
- Lightheadedness or Dizziness
- Fainting
- Chest pain
- Difficulty of breathing or shortness of breath.
In an infant or children these symptoms can occur:
- Poor feeding
- Nausea vomiting
- Rapid breathing
Causes
Atrial tachycardia can have several possible causes. It may include:
- Coronary heart disease, heart attack, or other type of heart diseases
- Coronary Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
- Alcohol intake
- Medications such as digoxin
- Caffeinated beverages
Diagnosis
Atrial tachycardia can be diagnosed using a variety of tests and methods, such as:
- Physical Assessment: This kind of examination is performed as part of the annual checkup. Even if patients have no symptoms, the specialist may detect a rapid heartbeat. The specialist will also evaluate the previous health history to determine whether the patient have any risk factors for this condition.
Blood tests: can be used to investigate for heart problems, thyroid function, or other illnesses that can trigger atrial tachycardia. - Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG): measures the timing and duration of each heartbeat while also measuring the electrical activity of the heart using sensors connected to the skin of the chest.
- Holter monitor: it is a portable ECG device that the patient may wear for days or weeks to record the heart rate and rhythm throughout their normal daily routine.
- Echocardiogram: It creates images of the size, structure, and motion of the heart using sound waves.
Some test could be used by a specialist to attempt to induce an episode of atrial tachycardia:
- Stress test: In these tests, an ECG or echocardiogram is frequently performed while the patient walks on a treadmill or on a stationary bike. Exercise tests can assist determine how the heart responds to exercise and stress.
- Electrophysiology study: The electrical activity of your heart is tracked and measured throughout this procedure. This can highlight regions of the heart’s electrical activity that are not functioning properly.
Treatment
Depending on the conditions and severity, atrial tachycardia is treated differently. The specialist might advise the following:
- Vagal maneuvers: Coughing, applying an ice pack to the face, or bearing down as if having a bowel movement will all assist lower heart rate. The following actions will be recommended during atrial tachycardia. The heartbeat is controlled by the vagus nerve, which is impacted by several processes.
- Medications: The heart rate can be regulated, and the rhythm of the heart can be restored using medication.
- Cardioversion: Through patches or paddles on the chest, a shock is administered to the heart which cause the electrical signals in the heart to be affected by the current, making the heart rate normal again and is used if vagal maneuvers or medicines don’t relieve atrial tachycardia.
- Catheter ablation: In order to reach the heart, a thin, flexible tube (catheter) is directed through a blood vessel, typically in the groin. There are situations when several catheters are used. Heat (radiofrequency radiation) is used by sensors on the catheter’s tip to produce small cuts on the heart. The scar tissue restores a regular pulse by permanently obstructing incorrect electrical signals.
- Surgical ablation: Surgery may be used in the event that catheter ablation is unable to resolve the problem. Similar techniques are used during surgery, but the heart is reached through a chest incision.
- Pacemaker: If alternative methods of treating atrial tachycardia are unsuccessful, this tiny device might be recommended. It is surgically inserted around the collarbone, under the skin. The pacemaker sends an electrical pulse to correct the heart’s rhythm when it notices an abnormal heartbeat. This surgery is frequently combined with AV node ablation for those with atrial tachycardia.
