The upper chambers of the heart are impacted by ectopic atrial tachycardia, which results in a higher heart rate than typical. The prevalence of this kind of arrhythmia is higher in younger adults. Medication or specific medical treatments can be used to treat it.
An arrhythmia is a collection of conditions characterized by an excessively fast, abnormally slow, or irregular heartbeat. Ectopic atrial tachycardia (EAT) is an arrhythmia that affects the heart’s upper chambers, or atria, and causes tachycardia, or an excessively rapid heartbeat. Typically, it impacts youth the most.
EAT is the result of arrhythmia caused by a region of cells that are not part of the heart’s regular pacemaker starting to send out electrical signals.
Arrhythmias are thought to impact 1.5% to 5% of the general population, according to research.
Find out more about EAT’s symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment options.
What are the symptoms of ectopic atrial tachycardia?
Not all EAT patients exhibit any symptoms at all. During normal testing for other diseases, doctors may find EAT in these patients.
If symptoms exist, they may consist of:
- dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting
- shortness of breath
- chest pain or discomfort
- quick or racing heart rate that may come and go
- heart palpitations
- a pulsing sensation in your neck or throat
- feelings of fatigue or weakness
In addition, the following indications and symptoms may be present in newborns and early children with EAT:
- fussiness
- sweating
- changes in color
- difficulty feeding
What can cause ectopic atrial tachycardia?
Your heart’s electrical activity is what causes EAT. The sinoatrial (SA) node, located in the right atrium of your heart, functions as a natural pacemaker. Electrical signals are produced by the SA node’s cells and pass through the atria.
Blood is pumped into the heart’s lower chambers (ventricles) as a result of the contraction of heart muscle cells in the atria brought on by these electrical signals. The signal then travels to the heart’s lower chamber, where it ultimately causes the ventricles to contract.
When a section of your atria’s cells other than the SA node starts to generate electrical signals, EAT occurs. An erratic and excessively rapid heart rhythm can result from these cells’ ability to produce signals faster than the SA node.
It frequently occurs in those who have congenital cardiac disease. EAT can, however, also occur in those whose hearts are anatomically normal.
How do doctors diagnose ectopic atrial tachycardia?
A doctor will first obtain your medical history and do a physical examination to diagnose EAT. They will listen to your heartbeat and examine your pulse during the physical examination.
An electrocardiogram will be performed if they suspect an arrhythmia (EKG). Your heart’s electrical activity throughout each beat is recorded by an EKG. If aberrant heart rhythms are detected, a physician can review the readout.
Your doctor might recommend you to wear a Holter monitor because symptoms of EAT might come and go. This wearable gadget tracks the electrical activity in your heart over an extended period as you go about your regular tasks.
A study into your heart’s anatomy can also be recommended by your physician. They might employ imaging tests like an MRI, CT, or ultrasound to accomplish this.
How do doctors treat ectopic atrial tachycardia?
Medication is frequently the first line of treatment for EAT. Although drugs cannot treat EAT, they can help control its symptoms.
A common class of drugs for EAT that can lower heart rate is beta-blockers. A doctor may recommend calcium channel blockers or other medications if beta-blockers are ineffective.
A case study from 2020 mentions that digoxin (Lanoxin) and antiarrhythmics such as amiodarone (Pacerone) and flecainide are among the additional drugs that may be utilized for EAT.
An ablation technique can be an option if taking drugs isn’t controlling EAT well enough. The method known as ablation involves minimally invasive surgery to eliminate the cells responsible for the aberrant electrical signals.
A thin, flexible tube called a catheter will be inserted by a doctor into your blood vessels and guided to your heart to do this surgery. They can utilize heat or cold to kill the cells in the aberrant location after they’ve located it.
How do you manage ectopic atrial tachycardia?
It’s crucial to take your prescriptions as prescribed and show up for your doctor’s checkups if you have eating disorders. Limiting items that can cause symptoms, such as coffee or strenuous activity, is another option.
EAT patients can have symptoms that are constant or frequent in up to one-third of cases. These kinds of EAT can cause cardiomyopathy, a disorder that weakens the heart if they are not controlled.
26 (22.6%) of the 115 children with EAT in the 2017 study had cardiomyopathy, which was linked to EAT.
Some people’s EAT fades away on its own, especially in younger children. A better reaction to medicine is also linked to being younger when EAT first appears.
What are the risk factors for ectopic atrial tachycardia?
EAT primarily affects younger individuals. Children, teenagers, and young adults are included in this.
EAT is more common among those who have congenital cardiac problems. It may also occur after congenital heart disease surgery.
When to speak with a doctor
Breathing problems and chest pain are signs of arrhythmias such as EAT. There may be overlap between these symptoms and those of a medical emergency, like a heart attack.
It’s crucial to get emergency attention if you experience symptoms like shortness of breath or chest discomfort that suddenly worsens and doesn’t go away after a short while. Either dialing 911 or being driven to the closest emergency department will accomplish this.
It’s crucial to contact your doctor if you think your symptoms are growing worse or happening more frequently if you have EAT or another arrhythmia. Modifications may be needed to your present treatment regimen.
Takeaway
EAT is an arrhythmia that affects the heart’s upper chambers, causing the heart to beat more quickly than usual. Younger adults and individuals with congenital cardiac disease are more likely to have EAT.
Medication and occasionally an ablation technique are used to treat EAT. Some people’s EAT may eventually go away on its own, especially if they are diagnosed while they are young.
If you believe that you or your kid is experiencing symptoms of an arrhythmia such as EAT, you must consult a physician. Symptoms such as chest pain or shortness of breath may indicate a medical emergency, so you should get immediate attention.