Premature atrial contraction
Premature Atrial Contraction
Premature atrial contraction (PAC) (pronunciation: /priːˈmeɪtʃər ˈeɪtriəl kənˈtrækʃən/) is a common cardiac dysrhythmia characterized by premature heartbeats originating in the atria. While PACs are often benign, they may also indicate an increased risk of other arrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation.
Etymology
The term "premature atrial contraction" is derived from the Latin words "praematurus" meaning "before the time", "atrium" referring to the upper chambers of the heart, and "contractio" meaning "a drawing together".
Definition
A premature atrial contraction is a single heartbeat that occurs earlier than the next expected regular heartbeat. It is caused by an electrical impulse in the atria that happens before the normal start of the electrical cycle. This results in a shorter than normal cardiac cycle.
Symptoms
Symptoms of PACs can include a feeling of skipped heartbeats, palpitations, or a fluttering sensation in the chest. However, many people with PACs do not experience any symptoms.
Causes
PACs can be caused by a variety of factors including stress, caffeine, alcohol, tobacco use, and certain medications. They can also occur in healthy individuals with no identifiable cause.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of PACs is typically made through an electrocardiogram (ECG), which can detect the abnormal heartbeats.
Treatment
Treatment for PACs is usually not necessary unless they are causing significant symptoms or are associated with other heart conditions. In such cases, treatment may include lifestyle changes, medications, or in rare cases, cardiac ablation.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Premature atrial contraction
- Wikipedia's article - Premature atrial contraction
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