Premature Atrial Contraction Research Paper
Premature Atrial Contraction
A premature atrial contraction (PAC) is a kind of irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia). It happens when the heart beats too early and then pauses before beating again. PACs are also called skipped heartbeats because they may make you feel like your heart is stopping for a second.
CAUSES
Your heart has four chambers. Normally electrical signals spread across your heart and make all the chambers beat together. During a PAC, the upper chambers of the heart (atria) beat too early, before they have had time to fill with blood. The heartbeat pauses afterward so that the heart can fill with blood for the next beat.
The cause of this condition is often unknown. Sometimes it is caused by heart disease or injury.
RISK FACTORS …show more content…
The first heartbeat after the skipped beat may feel more forceful.
A feeling that your heartbeat is fluttering.
DIAGNOSIS
This condition is diagnosed based on the description of your symptom. Your health care provider may performa a physical exam to listen to your heart. Your health care provider may also perform tests to rule out other conditions. These tests may include an electrical tracing of your heart called electrocardiogram (ECG). If you have this test, you may need to wear a portable ECG machine (Holter monitor) that records your heart beats for 24 hours or more.
TREATMENT
Usually treatment is not needed for this condition. If you have episodes that happen often and are caused by heart disease, you may get treatment for your heart disease.
HOME CARE INSTRUCTIONS
Avoiding triggers
Limit the amount of caffeine you consume.
Find healthy ways to manage stress, and avoid stressful situations when possible.
Try to get at least 8 hours of sleep each night.
Limit alcohol intake to no more than 1 drink a day for nonpregnant women and 2 drinks a day for men. One drink equals 12 oz of beer, 5 oz of wine, or 1½ oz of hard
A premature atrial contraction (PAC) is a kind of irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia). It happens when the heart beats too early and then pauses before beating again. PACs are also called skipped heartbeats because they may make you feel like your heart is stopping for a second.
CAUSES
Your heart has four chambers. Normally electrical signals spread across your heart and make all the chambers beat together. During a PAC, the upper chambers of the heart (atria) beat too early, before they have had time to fill with blood. The heartbeat pauses afterward so that the heart can fill with blood for the next beat.
The cause of this condition is often unknown. Sometimes it is caused by heart disease or injury.
RISK FACTORS …show more content…
The first heartbeat after the skipped beat may feel more forceful.
A feeling that your heartbeat is fluttering.
DIAGNOSIS
This condition is diagnosed based on the description of your symptom. Your health care provider may performa a physical exam to listen to your heart. Your health care provider may also perform tests to rule out other conditions. These tests may include an electrical tracing of your heart called electrocardiogram (ECG). If you have this test, you may need to wear a portable ECG machine (Holter monitor) that records your heart beats for 24 hours or more.
TREATMENT
Usually treatment is not needed for this condition. If you have episodes that happen often and are caused by heart disease, you may get treatment for your heart disease.
HOME CARE INSTRUCTIONS
Avoiding triggers
Limit the amount of caffeine you consume.
Find healthy ways to manage stress, and avoid stressful situations when possible.
Try to get at least 8 hours of sleep each night.
Limit alcohol intake to no more than 1 drink a day for nonpregnant women and 2 drinks a day for men. One drink equals 12 oz of beer, 5 oz of wine, or 1½ oz of hard