Abnormal Heart Rhythm

Atrial Tachycardia

Signs and Symptoms
Diagnosis
Treatment

Signs and Symptoms

With atrial tachycardia, the electrical impulse comes from somewhere in the atria, the heart's upper chambers, other than the sino-atrial (SA) node, a small mass of tissue near the right atrium that sets the pace for the heartbeat. The alternate origin of the electrical impulse causes a fast heart rate.

In patients with atrial tachycardia (AT), the heart's electrical impulse comes from somewhere in the atria -- the heart's upper chambers -- other than the sino-atrial (SA) node, which is the normal pacemaker of the heart and is responsible for regulating a regular heart rhythm and rate. In AT, the SA node is often suppressed and another site in the atrium regulates the heart’s rhythm and rate.

The "normal" number of heartbeats per minute, called pulse rate varies with age. The heart beats about 140 times a minute in a newborn, compared to 70 times a minute in an older child at rest. Heart rate is not constant, changing in response to many factors, such as activity, fever and fear. In AT, the heart rate may be as fast as 200 – 300 beats per minute.

Atrial tachycardia (AT) may cause the following symptoms:

• Palpitations, which can be skipping, fluttering or pounding in the chest
• Fatigue
• Chest pressure or pain
• Shortness of breath
• Fainting, also known as syncope, or near-syncope
• Lightheadedness or dizziness

It is important to note that some children may not know how to describe what they are feeling during a period of AT. They may have trouble keeping up with other children or realize they are having "spells" and want to sit down and rest. Sometimes, a child does not experience any symptoms at all.

Reviewed by health care specialists at UCSF Children's Hospital.
Last updated May 8, 2007