PAT's

[Vangie]

Hello, I am a 28 year old healthy female with no previous medical problems. I am physically fit and eat well.  I have recently been diagnosed with PAT's and a redundant mitral valve.I was told the mitral valve was no problem and they could put me on Toprol XL25mg. I am still left wondering why this came on so suddenly and why. They said they didn't feel it was stress related since most of the occurences happen first thing in the morning with pulse rates up to 170. It is very scary and nerve racking. Can you give me any insight into this and what might be causing this? Thanks.

[JW24]

I am 36 and have atrial tachycardia as well - enough of a pain to attempt an ablation, which in my case was not successful (I was one of the 10 percent or so that it doesn't work on).  I am controlled on Atenolol 25 mg/day.  It has been a harrowing 10 months since this started out of the blue, so I can relate.  The docs insist this is not life-threatening, and it may just take time for you to trust that it will be okay.  Good luck!

[CCF-M.D.-KE]

PAT (Paroxysmal atrial Tachycardia)

It is unclear why you have developed atrial tachycardia. It is a condition where rapid impulses  originating from the top chamber of the heart, usually the right atrum, cause an increased heart rate. The site of origin of these impulses is different than the normal site of impulse generation. This is not a life threatening condition and typically does not have long term consequences, it is more of a nuisance.

I would ask your doctor if they checked your thyroid gland (TSH).
I would also avoid caffeine, alcohol, cigarette smoke and other stimulants such as those found in decongestants as these may increase the frequency of your PAT.

Thanks for your question,



CCF-MD-KE