Heart Conditions - Paroxysmal Atrial Tachycardia
Paroxysmal atrial tachycardia is not a heart disease, but rather an uncomfortable condition that affects the upper chambers of the heart and makes it start and stop beating abruptly. In other words, your heart may be beating at a normal pace then suddenly, without warning, it will pick up the pace with absolutely no activity required to spark it. The rapid heartbeat causes such symptoms as lightheadedness, chest pain, sweating, and shortness of breath. But while the feeling is very uncomfortable, most doctors agree that the ailment is not life-threatening.
To date, doctors have not found an exact cause to the abrupt increase in heart rate with paroxysmal atrial tachycardia. However, a few possible causes have been pinpointed, including anxiety, caffeine, an over-active thyroid, and even menstruation in women. But according to the American Heart Association, it could also be caused by “a premature atrial beat that sends an impulse along an abnormal electrical path to the ventricles.”
Though my doctor was able to easily diagnose my problem, it seems the condition is not always easy to diagnose because the “attack” has normally long-ended before reaching a doctor. But if by coincidence the ailment is still happening, the doctor can administer an ECG for diagnosis. But what happens after diagnosis? Personally, I was expecting to have to take medication or wear a pacemaker for the rest of my life (keep in mind I was only 14-years-old), but the doctor simply explained that I could increase my potassium levels by eating bananas and potatoes, decrease my intake of caffeine, and stay healthy overall. If my episodes were to increase then I may need medication. But since my paroxysmal atrial tachycardia has only triggered on average about 1-2 times per year in the past 15 years, I was never placed on medication. And when I do get an attack, I take a cold shower if possible then lie down and elevate my feet; this normally works.
According to the American Heart Association its only in worst-case scenarios that a procedure called a catheter ablation may be necessary to remove the precise area of the heart responsible for triggering the fast heart rate, but this is extremely rare and only for those suffering from regular attacks - most people don’t have this problem.
If you have symptoms that sound similar to paroxysmal atrial tachycardia, like any other heart condition, it is advised that you seek medical attention to make sure that there are no other problems issues triggering the attacks. But rest assured, if you are diagnosed with it, the odds of your life being in danger are very slim; basic exercise and a good diet can hopefully keep your paroxysmal atrial tachycardia under control.
