Q:
What is multifocal atrial tachycardia?
A:
Multifocal (or multiform) atrial tachycardia (MAT) is a type of supraventricular tachycardia. It is a kind of abnormal heart rhythm that is particularly common in older people.
Multifocal atrial tachycardia is often associated with exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). People with the disease may have some symptoms such as heart palpitations, rapid heart rate, weakness, fatigue, blurred vision, fainting, nausea and vomiting.
The main causes of the disease are aging, lung disorders, acute myocardial infarction, digitalis toxicity, heart disorders, hypoxia, COPD, theophylline toxicity, low blood potassium, and
low blood magnesium. And calcium channel blocker verapamil or the beta blocker metoprolol are often used to treat the disease.
Keywords: multifocal atrial tachycardia
