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Atrial tachycardia is a heart problem caused by abnormal heart rhythm originating from the wrong area of the heart. Symptoms include heart palpitations, chest pain, and difficulty breathing. Treatment varies depending on the underlying cause, and paroxysmal atrial tachycardia is usually harmless.
Atrial tachycardia is one of many heart problems that can cause cardiac arrhythmia. The problem stems from an abnormal heart rhythm which occurs when the electrical impulses that regulate the heart beat originate in the wrong area of the heart. It has a low morbidity rate, but the risk of death is slightly higher in children born with this heart abnormality.
Inside the heart is a small knot of tissue known as the sinus node, located in the right atrium, the upper right corner, of the organ. It is this node that originates the electrical impulses that make the heart beat and that is responsible for setting the “rhythm” of the heartbeat. In a person with atrial tachycardia, these electrical impulses come from the upper chambers of the heart, called the atria, rather than the sinus node.
A person who has this condition can experience some very scary symptoms, such as heart palpitations, chest pain or pressure, difficulty breathing, fainting, and dizziness. A feeling of fatigue that may persist despite periods of rest is another common symptom of atrial tachycardia. Children who are experiencing an abnormal heart rhythm or other symptoms may have difficulty articulating these sensations, but may simply express a need to rest or may have trouble keeping up with other children at play.
Treatment for this condition can vary depending on what caused the heart arrhythmia and the associated symptoms. In the case of multiple atrial tachycardia (MAT), for example, the underlying cause is often chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, congestive heart failure, or another heart condition. In such cases the treatment may be slightly different from that prescribed for people suffering from this condition due to a structural abnormality of the heart. In general, cardiac arrhythmia is treated with drugs to suppress the abnormal rhythm and restore a normal heartbeat.
Abnormal cardiac events of the type that cause cardiac arrhythmia and rapid heart rate can also be responsible for a much more benign condition called paroxysmal atrial tachycardia. This condition is characterized by a sudden period of rapid heartbeat, typically between 160 and 200 beats per minute, along with other symptoms such as anxiety, dizziness, and heart palpitations. An episode of paroxysmal atrial tachycardia can occur in the complete absence of any heart disease or defect, and this condition is usually harmless. It can be very scary, but it’s important to remember that unless other heart symptoms are present, there’s usually no cause for alarm. A visit to the doctor to rule out serious problems is still necessary, as it is never a good idea to ignore heart symptoms.
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