Mitral Valve Prolapse and PAT

[lori]

I have had PAT since I was 12 years old and was diagnosed with Mitral Valve Prolapse eight years ago.  I am 40.  Recently the PAT attacks have been much more frequent, about once a week, lasting from 1hour to 3.  I only take inderal when I have an attack.  My question is are these two conditions related and should I take meds. as a prevention.  Also are there other things I could do that would lessen the PAT attacks, they are quite bothersome.  I am in very good shape and exercise every day.  I am however very tired and nap daily, have done this most of my life.

[Cleveland Clinic, MD]

No, they are probably not related, although it used to be thought that they were.  A diagnosis of PAT is rather non-specific.  Do you know what type of PAT you were diagnosed with?  Have you been back to a cardiologist since you were 12?  If not it's time for another trip.  There are newer methods of treatment of arrhythmias that may even be able to cure you.

[dah]

Hello,
May I please jump in to ask the forum doctors a question?  I too have PAT - have had it for about 12 years.  My episodes usually do not last more than about 10 seconds.  Sometimes I get one or two every day, but then I'll also go a month or longer without having any attacks.  I wore an event monitor and two different cardiologists read it.  They both reported that I had PAT episodes, but did not state what "type" of PAT - only that it was a benign condition.  This is the first I've heard that there are different "types' of PATs.  Would the forum please explain the different types? My echo showed a slightly enlarged left atrium (4.5) but otherwise all other tests results were considered "normal" or "benign".  I would have posted my own question, but I can never get through.
Thanks so much,
dah

[Cleveland Clinic, MD]

PAT stands for paroxysmal atrial tachycardia and is a broad term for any arrhythmia that comes from the upper chambers of the heart.  Examples include premature atrial contractions (PACs), AV nodal reentry tachycardia (AVNRT), atrial fibrillation, inappropriate sinus tachycardia (IST) and atrial flutter.  Usually when doctors say PAT they mean one of the benign types but it is not a very clear diagnosis. Hope this helps sort things out.

[Illie]

A related discussion, PAT was started.

[joyceday]

A related discussion, troprol xl was started.