Understanding Multifocal Atrial Tachycardia: Causes, Symptoms, Treatments & Long-Term Effects
Multifocal atrial tachycardia (MAT), a rare condition, causes the heart to beat much faster than normal. This news explores MAT's causes, symptoms, treatments, and long-term effects.
MAT is characterised by a rapid heart rate, ranging from 100 to 250 beats per minute in adults and 111 to 253 in infants. In infants, it can lead to wheezing and weight loss. The condition arises from excessive electrical signals sent from the upper heart chambers to the lower ones. It's often caused by conditions reducing blood oxygen, such as COPD or lung cancer, and risk factors include diabetes and sepsis.
Symptoms include rapid pulse, shortness of breath, and fainting, with severity varying by age and health. Diagnosis involves an electrocardiogram (ECG), electrophysiological study (EPS), and heart rate monitoring using devices like a Holter monitor. Treatment focuses on addressing the underlying cause, which may involve medication, therapies to improve blood oxygen, or surgical procedures like atrioventricular ablation and pacemaker implantation.
Long-term complications of MAT include reduced heart pumping action, heart failure, and cardiomyopathy. MAT is rare in infants and more common in people with severe cardiopulmonary illnesses. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are crucial to prevent long-term effects.
