Premature atrial beats, also known as extrasystolic or early heartbeats, are initiated before regular beats or ectopic heartbeats that may originate from any atrial region. Premature atrial contraction (PAC) may be considered a common normal heart condition that may occasionally occur in healthy individuals and is induced by environmental factors such as stress, caffeine intake, smoking, fatigue, and dehydration. However, they frequently occur in heart disease patients. In addition, they may participate in Supraventricular Tachyarrhythmia.
A premature atrial contraction diagnosis is confirmed by electrocardiogram, Holter monitor, or stress tests. Even though they are only managed if they are associated with clinical symptoms such as dizziness, palpitations that result from the ionotropic effect and prolonged ventricular filling time, or skipped heartbeats when the premature atrial beat is not fully conducted or ventricular filling is inadequate.
Any predisposing factor that is associated with Premature Atrial contractions and their related symptoms must be avoided.
Premature atrial contractions may be more prevalent in patients with heart diseases, which may affect atrial structure and pressure. So, the following medical disorders must be appropriately managed and controlled:
Antiarrhythmic medications may be indicated if Premature Atrial contractions are associated with irregular heart rhythm and frequent symptoms that are not adequately controlled with predisposing factor elimination.
Some Antiarrhythmic medications may not be effective. Other medications used may worsen premature atrial contraction symptoms.
It is recommended to manage Premature Atrial contractions that are not raised in the pulmonary vein, are not adequately controlled with medical therapies, and lead to the development of Atrial Fibrillation or are associated with high risk for Cardiomyopathy.
In this procedure, a catheter is inserted and guided up to the heart under X-ray visualization with the use of contract media, while the catheter is connected to an electrical impulse sensor and recorder to detect Atrial Premature contractions, Radiofrequency heat energy or cold cryoablation energy is then directed into cardiac tissues where abnormal electrical heart signals are detected to prevent their conduction and consequent arrhythmia.
It is recommended if premature atrial contractions are associated with pulmonary veins. It is a surgical procedure that is usually performed under light sedation or general anesthesia and is considered a type of cardiac ablation that targets the left atrium area that is connected to the four pulmonary veins.
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