Introduction
MAT, or multifocal atrial tachycardia, is a kind of arrhythmia, which means an abnormal rhythm of the heart caused due to strange electrical activity of the atrium. Generally, it occurs due to excessive signals sent to the upper part of the heart that may occur due to various underlying conditions or even a pacemaker malfunctioning. The heart is divided into four chambers. The above two chambers are the left and right atrium, and the lower two are called the left and right ventricles. A normal heartbeat originates due to an electrical impulse arising from the sinus node.
When this is altered, an unusual electric signal keeps repeating, leading to the atrium beating way too rapidly. The sinus node is a zone of peculiar cells in the upper right chamber of the heart (right atrium). This particular region is responsible for the heart to beat in a standard rhythm by creating a stable pace of electrical impulses. This steady pace can alter according to physical or emotional activity, for instance, exercise, stress, or rest. Multifocal atrial tachycardia can be understood as a repeated short circuit taking place in the sinus node as well as other foci points in the atrium resulting in the atrium contracting abnormally fast and thus raising the heartbeat to dangerously high readings. When multifocal atrial tachycardia happens for a brief period of time and halts immediately, it is referred to as paroxysmal atrial tachycardia. But if this is continuous, it is claimed as persistent atrial tachycardia.
What Are the Signs And Symptoms of Multifocal Atrial Tachycardia?
There are few clinical manifestations that are presented by a patient suffering from multifocal atrial tachycardia. On the other hand, seldom can this condition go unnoticed since it also has the tendency to not show any signs or symptoms.
Below are some of the signs of atrial tachycardia.
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Weight loss.
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Abnormal functioning of the lungs.
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A fluttering feeling in the chest.
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Blacking out.
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Dizziness.
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Lightheadedness or fainting.
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Chest discomfort or chest pain.
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Palpitations.
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Shortness of breath.
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Lethargy and fatigues.
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Rapid breathing.
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Nausea and vomiting.
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Cardiomyopathy is due to the heart turning weak.
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Heart failure is a result of a combination of the above symptoms.
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Infants fail to thrive.
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Syncopal episodes.
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Tightness of the chest.
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Angina pectoris.
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Heart failure.
Who Is at a Risk of Developing Multifocal Atrial Tachycardia?
Multifocal atrial tachycardia is a moderately common phenomenon seen in the senile group of society. The majority of the newly recorded cases are paroxysmal in nature. Multifocal atrial tachycardia can occur in any individual. It is equally reported in both men and women. It should be noted that there are some age factors that result in particular kinds of multifocal atrial tachycardia. Additionally, there are also some kinds of atrial tachycardia that run in families. Thus genetics can play a crucial role in acquiring this condition. Several other factors, such as underlying cardiovascular disease or a history of cardiac disorders, also play a pivotal role in getting affected.
What Are the Causes of Multifocal Atrial Tachycardia?
There are numerous reasons that have the potential to result in multifocal atrial tachycardia. Below are some of them.
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A history of cardiovascular disease.
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Congenital heart disorders.
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Episodes of a heart attack.
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Disproportionate electrolyte levels.
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Increased alcohol consumption.
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Digoxin toxicity.
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Increased intake of caffeine and caffeine-related foods and beverages.
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Methamphetamine, cocaine, and other recreational drugs.
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Stress.
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Strenuous exercise.
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Acute illness.
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Hypertension, meaning high blood pressure.
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Patients suffering from diabetes or chronic heart failure.
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COPD or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
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Aging.
How Is Multifocal Atrial Tachycardia Diagnosed?
The signs and symptoms of a patient generally give the idea of an underlying problem with the heart rhythm.
Several medical tests are conducted to diagnose this condition.
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Medical history recording is essential so as to give an idea of the ongoing cardiovascular condition.
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Physical examination reveals any risk factors that may be present.
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Electrocardiography measures the heart's electrical activity with the help of sensors and electric pads in the chest.
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A Holter monitor is similar to an electrocardiograph, but it records the heart activity for over two days approximately.
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Ambulatory monitors, such as event monitors or implantable monitors, which can be taken home for up to a month, can also help diagnose atrial tachycardia.
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To understand the type of atrial tachycardia, a detailed electrophysiological heart study may be conducted by the healthcare professional. This study is generally combined with catheter ablation.
What Is the Treatment for Multifocal Atrial Tachycardia?
The chief step toward treatment is to manage any underlying cardiac condition. This is followed by correcting the specific part of the heart that produces wrong electrical signals. This can be done only after multiple diagnostic tools determine and locate the precise abnormality. Correction of the present cardiovascular condition generally tends to cure atrial tachycardia as well. Medications and therapy that aid in improving irregular heartbeats may then be prescribed by the healthcare professional. This is done only after a fine-tuned electrophysiological study of the heart. A surgical route is decided only if there is no alternative way to treat atrial tachycardia.
Conclusion
Multifocal atrial tachycardia is a fairly common but treatable condition where the heart produces irregular rhythms. It can cause anxiousness in the patient, but if diagnosed early, it is easily cured. Any signs or symptoms should not be ignored, and medical care must be immediately sought. Generally, atrial tachycardia goes away on its own, and people return back to their everyday lives. Alternatively, there are multiple treatment modalities present that eradicate this condition altogether. Diet and exercise play a critical role in heart health. Thus, keeping track of one’s health and weight can reduce the risk of developing atrial tachycardia.
