In ten to fifteen minutes, the episode may terminate. The simplest form of treatment may be the administration of a sedative or tranquilizer. In these severe cases, the ECG machine will remain attached to the patient because many of the treatments for PAT can in themselves cause cardiac complications. IN more severe cases, which are either prolonged or case clinical symptoms, treatment is required. To summarize, PAT is recognized by a rate of over 140 per minute (higher than sinus tachycardia), normal QRS complexes and abnormally shaped P Waves when they are visible and not hidden by the preceding T Wave.Īs we mentioned earlier, PAT will often stop spontaneously and requires no treatment. The ventricular wave (QRS) appears normal but rapid in response to the rapid atrial stimulation. Many times is difficult to determine the site so the arrhythmia is called supraventricular tachycardia.Īs you see from the previous PAT example, there is an abnormal pacemaker that sends impulses to the AV node.

Supraventricular Tachycardia is a term used to indicate a paroxysmal tachycardia originating in the atria of AV junction without specifying the exact location of the ectopic pacemaker site. Therefore, PAT is defined as just an occasional abnormal atrial contraction (fewer than three in a row). Atrial Tachycardia then, is sustained abnormal atrial contractions. Atrial Tachycardia is defined as three or more consecutive (abnormal) atrial contractions. The P wave has a different shape due to this fact.īy definition, PAT commonly starts and ends abruptly (in paroxysms). When the impulses from the SA node travel the normal pathway to the AV node, the ECG shows a “normal P wave.” However, when PAT is present, the pacemaker is not the normal SA node. The P Wave will be shaped differently than the normal P wave. On the ECG, PAT will be seen as the heart beating at a rate of 160 to 240 Beats per Minute (BPM). The episode may be so brief that it goes almost unnoticed. Many young adults experience brief episodes of “fluttering” or “pounding” in the chest that also may cause a short period of weakness.

PAT is a relatively common arrhythmia in young adults and usually means no permanent heart damage. Atrial Tachycardia and Paroxysmal Atrial Tachycardia (PAT).

Does a flutter have p waves