What are premature atrial contractions?
Premature Atrial Contractions (PACs) are early heartbeats that originate in the upper chambers of the heart, or atria. When these extra beats disrupt the normal rhythm, it can cause a feeling of skipped or extra heartbeats. PACs are often benign but can sometimes be a sign of an underlying heart condition or stress.Causes of premature atrial contractions
PACs can be triggered by various factors, including:
- Stress
- Caffeine
- Consuming alcohol
- Smoking
- Certain medications
- Having high blood pressure
- Existing heart disease
- Electrolyte imbalances
In some cases, PACs can even occur without any obvious cause.
Risk factors for premature atrial contractions
Factors that may increase the likelihood of developing PACs include:
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Above average caffeine intake
- Smoking
- Experiencing stress
- Having an underlying heart disease
In addition to those, older age, high blood pressure and imbalances in electrolytes like potassium and magnesium can also contribute to PACs.
Symptoms of premature atrial contractions
Most people with PACs don't experience noticeable symptoms. However, some may feel palpitations, skipped heartbeats or a fluttering sensation in the chest. In severe cases, PACs can lead to arrhythmias or cause symptoms like dizziness or shortness of breath.
Diagnosing Premature Atrial Contractions
PACs are typically diagnosed with an electrocardiogram (ECG), which can detect the early beats and identify any irregularities in the heart’s rhythm. A Holter monitor may also be used to monitor the heart's activity over a one or two day period to give a more detailed analysis.
Treatment of Premature Atrial Contractions
In most cases, PACs do not require treatment, especially if they don’t happen regularly or don’t present with any symptoms. However, if PACs are causing significant symptoms, treatment options may include:
- Lifestyle changes
- Reducing stress or caffeine intake
- Medications to control heart rhythm
In rare cases, a catheter ablation procedure may be considered for persistent or troublesome PACs.