What is the rate of multifocal atrial tachycardia MAT?
Multifocal atrial tachycardia (MAT) is a relatively infrequent arrhythmia, with a prevalence rate of 0.05-0.32% in patients who are hospitalized. It is predominantly observed in males and in older patients—in particular, elderly patients with multiple medical problems.
What is the atrial rate in atrial tachycardia?
Atrial tachycardia typically arises from an ectopic source in the atrial muscle and produces an atrial rate of 150-250 beats/min—slower than that of atrial flutter. The P waves may be abnormally shaped depending on the site of the ectopic pacemaker.
What is the classic cause of 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.
Why does multifocal atrial tachycardia occur?
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.
Does atrial tachycardia need anticoagulation?
Episodes of atrial tachycardia may convert to atrial fibrillation. Current guidelines do not recommend anti-coagulant therapy in patients with atrial tachycardia and risk factors for embolism.
What characteristic of a rhythm tracing indicates multifocal atrial tachycardia?
Rapid irregular rhythm > 100 bpm. At least 3 distinctive P-wave morphologies (arrows).
Is atrial tachycardia the same as sinus tachycardia?
The landmark physical finding in atrial tachycardias is the tachycardia itself, with a heart rate above 100 bpm and rarely dropping below but faster than the underlying sinus rhythm.
What is treatment for atrial tachycardia?
The primary treatment during an episode of atrial tachycardia is considered to be rate control using atrioventricular (AV) nodal blocking agents (eg, beta-blockers or calcium channel blockers).
How can I avoid paroxysmal atrial tachycardia?
Deep breathing may help to relieve paroxysmal atrial tachycardia. Alcohol is a trigger, particularly when consumed in excess. If you want to avoid paroxysmal atrial tachycardia, you need to cut most alcohol out of your diet too. People who drink heavily are most prone to the condition, so it may help to cut down.
What is the difference between atrial flutter and SVT?
Atrial flutter is extremely regular whereas SVT can have even a slight variation in the R-R. March out your rhythm. If its for a test- this may be what they are looking for, but that’s just my guess. In practice, however, if you are unsure you can call it SVT. Personally I would want to try to differentiate the two.
Can medication help paroxysmal atrial tachycardia?
Alternatively, medication can help paroxysmal atrial tachycardia that is caused by an underlying disease or another cardiac condition. Possible medications may include statins, calcium channel blockers , or beta blockers , depending on exactly what is causing the arrhythmia. In cases where the paroxysmal atrial tachycardia has no physical cause, medication may not be warranted, as medications may simply cause more problems when there is no underlying condition to be treated.