Definition

Multifocal atrial tachycardia describes arapid heart rate caused by inappropriate electrical impulses arriving at the lower heart chambers (ventricles) from multiple locations within the upper heart chambers (atria).

Causes

Normally, electrical impulses in the heart begin in the right atrium, in an area called the sinoatrial node (sinus node or SA node), which is the natural "pacemaker" of the heart. The node controls the heart's rhythm, which is essential to sustaining life.

The electrical impulses are conducted throughout the heart, and the heart responds to each impulse with a contraction. This usually occurs between 60 and 100 times per minute, so the normal heart rate in adults is 60 to 100 beats per minute. The normal rate is faster in children.

In multifocal atrial tachycardia (MAT), multiple locations within the atria "fire" and initiate an electrical impulse. Most of these impulses are conducted to the ventricles, leading to a rapid heart rate, anywhere from 100 to 250 beats per minute.

This very rapid rate greatly increases the heart's workload. Very rapid rates can also decrease the amount of time the heart has to fill with blood, which reduces the flow of blood to the brain and body.

MAT is most common in people aged 50 and over and it is often seen in patients admitted to the intensive care unit. These patients need critical care because MAT is usually associated with conditions that reduce the amount of oxygen in the blood: all types of respiratory failure, chronic pulmonary obstructive disease (COPD), bacterial pneumonia, congestive heart failure, lung cancer, and pulmonary embolism.

MAT is also associated with coronary heart disease, surgery within the last 6 weeks, overdose of theophylline, diabetes, and sepsis (widespread systemic infection).

Symptoms

Sensation of feeling the heart beat (palpitations)
Light-headedness
Fainting
Shortness of breath
Chest tightness
Infants may have weight loss and failure to thrive

Additional symptoms that may be associated with this disease:

Dizziness
Breathing difficulty when lying down

Exams and Tests

An examination shows a heart rate of 100 to 180 beats per minute. Blood pressure is normal or low. There may be signs of poor circulation.

Tests that reveal MAT include:

ECG
Continuous monitoring (24-hour Holter monitor). For hospitalized patients, the heart rhythm is monitored 24 hours a day with telemetry.
Long-term loop recorders. Outpatients who may have MAT not detected during a Holter monitoring session can receive these portable systems, which allow the person to trigger the recording if symptoms appear.
Electrophysiologic study (EPS). If doubts persist about the the diagnosis, or if there are additional arrhythmias which can complicate diagnosis, your doctor may recommend an EPS. During an EPS, wires are inserted through your veins up to your heart to study the cardiac conduction system.

Treatment

Any underlying conditions that can precipitate MAT should be treated first. Improving oxygenation, administering intravenous magnesium, and discontinuing certain medications -- such as theophylline -- may be enough to terminate the MAT.

Heart rate controlling medications, such as calcium channel blockers (verapamil, diltiazem) or selective beta-blockers, may be needed.

Outlook (Prognosis)

MAT is controllable if the underlying condition can be controlled.

Possible Complications

Reduced pumping action of the heart
Heart failure
Cardiomyopathy

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Call your health care provider if:

Rapid or irregular heartbeat is associated with other MAT symptoms.
Symptoms worsen, do not improve with treatment, or new symptoms develop.

Prevention

To reduce the risk of developing MAT, promptly treat the disorders that cause it.