Difference in PAT and atrial fibrilation?

What is the differnce in PAT and atrial fibrilation? I was told I have PAT yrs ago, Cardioligist put me on Inderal..said it's ok...since then my mom got atrial fibrilation and I know it can be serious, can PAT be serious? Thanks Noahcade

[ireneo]

PAT, also known as PSVT, is generally not dangerous. The heart rate will suddenly jump up and run from 150-250 bpm. Then it will suddenly drop back to normal again (either on its own, from a vagal maneuver or with medication).

A-fib runs over 400 bpm and is very chaotic. If you try to feel your pulse it will keep shifting from one rate to another. That's because the rate at which the atrial signal gets through to the ventricles keeps changing. The big danger with a-fib is that while the upper chambers are quivering, a clot may form.

Some say if you have atrial problems like PSVT or PAC's (early beats) you're more prone to a-fib. I don't know about that. I've had PSVT all my life and I'm 57 now, still no sign of a-fib. I've also read that a-fib is simply more common in older folks. Well, I'm getting there. :-)

Discuss this with your own doctor, ask what are your chances for getting a-fib.

[allene916]

Thanks so much, you helped me a bunch. I've had PAT since in my 20's..now I'm 63..guess it ain't gonna kill me..smile. I notice as i'm getting older, I don't have near as many of the jumping to 150-250..spells, now..mostly just mild skip beats..occasionally a very hard one..that always..seems to 'throw my heart back into a normal mode."..Just anoying..I have been to at least 8 Card. Dr's in my life but none in last 15 yrs..I think I should get appt..soon..to be on the safe side.
Thanks again...I do feel so much more calm now..
Novice (noahcade)

[allene916]

Ireneo, OH MY, I'm new on here, I put the wrong name..my name is allene916..sorry..

[ireneo]

That's OK. You can call yourself whatever you want because I'm lousy with names. I can remember faces and even voices but names fall out somewhere along the line.

If it's been that long since your last cardio visit, I'd say it's time to say hi again and get a checkup. Explain your arrhythmia history, see if they want to do a monitor for awhile just to see how things are ticking now. Glad you're still around after all those years of flip flops and races. They sure keep life interesting.