Occasional Ectopy

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Occasional Ectopy

Wandering atrial pacemaker (multifocal atrial rhythm) is an irregularly irregular rhythm caused by the random discharge of multiple ectopic atrial foci. Ocasio cortez 12 years quote. By definition, heart rate is ≤ 100 beats/minute. Jan 30, 2018 Experiencing the occasional ectopic heartbeat is actually quite common for most people and the issue typically resolves itself. However, if it persists and happens repeatedly, then you should seek. An AEB is usually a harmless disturbance in the normal rhythm of the heart. It can occur only occasionally, in a regular pattern, or several may occur in sequence and then disappear. Most often, the person is unaware of the event. Ventricular ectopic beats occur prematurely and cause the heart to beat in a different way for that beat. Are they dangerous? In the majority of patients, who have a structurally normal heart ventricular ectopics are almost always benign and don't require any treatment unless they are causing symptoms.

Also found in: Acronyms. Atrial Ectopic BeatsDefinitionAtrial ectopic beats (AEB) refers to a contraction of the upper heart chamber which occurs before it would be expected. Atrial ectopic beats are also known as premature atrial beats, premature atrial complex (PAC), or atrial extrasystole.
DescriptionAn AEB is usually a harmless disturbance in the normal rhythm of the heart. It can occur only occasionally, in a regular pattern, or several may occur in sequence and then disappear. Most often, the person is unaware of the event.
Causes and symptomsAs people age, extra beats tend to happen more frequently even in perfectly healthy individuals. AEB may be triggered or increased by stress, caffeine, smoking, and some medicines. Cold remedies containing ephedrine or pseudoephedrine have been known to increase the incidence of atrial ectopic beats. AEB may also be the result of an enlarged atria, lung disease, or the result of reduced blood supply to that area of the heart.
If a person is aware of the event, the first symptom of AEB is usually a feeling that the heart has skipped or missed a beat. This is often accompanied by a feeling that the heart is thumping or pounding in the chest. The thumping or pounding is caused by the fact that when there is an AEB, the pause before the next beat is usually longer than normal. The next beat must be stronger than usual to pump the accumulated blood out of the chamber.
DiagnosisDiagnosis of AEB is often suspected on the basis of the patient's description of the occurrence. An electrocardiogram (ECG) can confirm the diagnosis. An ECG shows the heart beat as three wave forms. The first wave is called P, the second is called QRS, and the last is T. An atrial ectopic beat will show up on the ECG as a P wave that occurs closer than usual to the preceding T wave.
TreatmentAtrial ectopic beats do not usually require treatment. If treatment is necessary because the beats occur frequently and cause intolerable discomfort, the doctor may prescribe medication.
PrognosisOccasional AEB usually have no significance. If they increase in frequency, they can lead to atrial tachycardia or fibrillation and to a decrease in cardiac output.
PreventionOccasional Ectopic HeartbeatAEB cannot usually be prevented. Aggravating factors can be addressed, like excessive stimulants, and uncontrolled pulmonary disorders.
Rare Atrial EctopyResourcesOrganizationsAmerican Heart Association. 7320 Greenville Ave. Dallas, TX 75231. (214) 373-6300. http://www.americanheart.org.
Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine. Copyright 2008 The Gale Group, Inc. All rights reserved.

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 Link to this page: What Is Ectopy Mean<a href='https://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/Atrial+Ectopic+Beats'>Atrial Ectopic Beats</a>Occasional Ventricular Ectopy