Atrial tachycardia (AT or A-tach) is a type of abnormal heart rhythm when the electrical signal that controls the heartbeat starts from an unusual location in the upper chambers (atria) and causes the heart to beat too quickly (tachycardia).
Generally a benign arrhythmia.
Palpitations that feel fast and start or stop suddenly
Rarely leads to syncope (passing out)
Can cause shortness of breath or chest pain if there is underlying heart disease
If persistent and left untreated, can lead to cardiomyopathy and congestive heart failure
Most AT occurs without underlying heart disease, and it generally has a benign prognosis. However, the following can contribute to AT:
Heart disease that may stretch the atria, like hypertension and/or cardiomyopathy.
Acute events like a heart attack, low oxygen state (hypoxia), infection, excessive alcohol ingestion, low blood potassium (hypokalemia), or stimulant use.
It can be difficult to diagnose, because Atrial Tachycardia may be unpredictable and brief. In addition to taking a person's medical history, listening to the patient describe symptoms, and conducting a physical examination, the provider may also recommend:
ECG – noninvasive test, stickers attached to wires placed on the chest, provides a 6 second “snapshot” of heart’s electrical activity. Can be done at a visit. Can show the ATach if it is occurring at that time.
Holter/Cardiac ambulatory monitoring – wearable ECG sticker that can record the heart's activity constantly for days to weeks, think of it as a “movie” rather than a “snapshot”. Monitor can be applied at home or at a visit. It is paired with a provided smartphone that stores/sends data. Worn 24/7. Returned via UPS.
Electrophysiologic study – hospital-based non-surgical procedure performed by an EP doctor to see where inside the heart the Atrial Tachycardia is coming from, and possibly ablate it.
Medication(s) to control the rate and/or rhythm, such as a beta-blocker or calcium channel blocker.
Do NOT need medication to prevent blood clots for this condition.
