How do you detect multifocal atrial tachycardia?

It’s hard to tell from a physical exam if a person has MAT. But this irregular heart rhythm will show up in an electrocardiogram (EKG). This test records electrical signals in the heart. If a doctor finds MAT on an EKG, your pulse also may be fast and irregular.

What is a multifocal atrial tachycardia?

Multifocal atrial tachycardia (MAT) is a rapid heart rate. It occurs when too many signals (electrical impulses) are sent from the upper heart (atria) to the lower heart (ventricles).

What is the difference between atrial fibrillation and atrial tachycardia?

Atrial fibrillation is another type of atrial tachycardia that is closely related to atrial flutter. However, the arrhythmia that occurs in AFib is much more chaotic and results in a fast and usually very irregular heart rhythm or a atypical and irregular ventricular rate that can effect heart health.

Is multifocal atrial tachycardia the same as atrial fibrillation?

The differential diagnosis of MAT includes atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter. Clear differentiation of multifocal atrial tachycardia (MAT) from atrial fibrillation is very important because the treatment of atrial fibrillation differs from that of MAT.

How do you detect atrial tachycardia on ECG?

ECG Features of Atrial Tachycardia

1. Atrial rate > 100 bpm.
2. Abnormal P wave morphology and axis (e.g. inverted in inferior leads) due to ectopic origin.
3. Unifocal, identical P waves.
4. Isoelectric baseline (unlike atrial flutter)

Which of the following is most commonly associated with multifocal atrial tachycardia?

This condition is typically seen in elderly patients with a variety of underlying conditions, the most common of which is a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

How can you tell the difference between atrial tachycardia and SVT?

SVT is always more symptomatic than sinus tach. Sinus tachycardia has a rate of 100 to 150 beats per minute and SVT has a rate of 151 to 250 beats per minute. With sinus tach, the P waves and T waves are separate. With SVT, they are together.

What is the classic cause of multifocal atrial tachycardia?

Hypoxia tends to be one of the leading causes of this arrhythmia. Some disorders that may make a patient prone to MAT are pneumonia, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), CHF, lung cancer/failure, and pulmonary emboli (PEs). Other risk factors include coronary artery disease (CAD), diabetes, and sepsis.