Premature Atrial Contraction (PAC) is an ectopic beat that originates in the atria and is discharged at a rate faster than that of the sinus node.
Treatment:
- Generally does not require treatment.
- Quinidine or calcium channel blocker if it increases in frequency.
Paroxysmal Atrial Tachycardia (PAT) is a sudden onset of an atrial tachycardia with rates that vary between 140 and 250 beats per minute.
Treatment:
- Valsalva Maneuver to reduce the heart rate through vagal stimulation.
- Digitalis
- Beta-adrenergic blockers (Propanolol).
- Calcium channel blockers (Verapamil).
- Cardioversion.
- Morphine sulfate, diazepam
Atrial Flutter is a dysrhythmia in which an ectopic atrial focus captures the heart rhythm and discharges impulses at a rate of between 200 and 400 times per minute
Treatment:
- Digitalis preparation
- Quinidine
- Calcium channel blockers 1
- Beta-adrenergic blockers
- Cardioversion
Atrial Fibrillation is a dysrhythmia that is caused by the rapid and chaotic firing of atrial impulses by a multitude of foci.
Treatment:
- Digitalis, if uncontrolled fibrillation (rate is above l00 beats per minute).
- Quinidine
- Beta-adrenergic blocker
