Premature atrial contractions (PACs) are a type of cardiac arrhythmia. They are extremely common, and many people experience premature atrial contractions at some point in their lives. In some cases, the condition is benign, while in other cases, PACs may indicate that the patient is at risk of a more serious problem, and steps may need to be taken to control the heart rhythm. People with heart conditions who experience premature atrial contractions are of particular concern.
This type of arrhythmia occurs when the atria, the heart's two upper chambers, beat faster than they're supposed to. Many people don't even notice that an atrial contraction is occurring, although some people feel the contraction as a slight flutter or flutter, as if the heart has skipped a beat. With the use of an electrocardiogram (ECG) or the use of a heart rate monitor, a doctor can track the contractions, determining how often and when they occur.
In patients for whom premature atrial contractions are a mild concern, the condition can be managed with diet. Reducing caffeine often eliminates or greatly reduces the incidence of premature atrial contractions, and other changes in diet and exercise can also be used to treat the condition. Medications to control the heart rhythm are also available, although they are usually only used in more severe cases.
In addition to diet, stress can be a major factor in the development of premature atrial contractions, as can certain lifestyle activities, such as drug use or intense exercise. Patients should be honest about their lifestyle when interviewed by a cardiologist: they can't get into legal trouble for disclosing something like drug use, and knowing everything about a patient will help a doctor develop a diagnosis and treatment plan. proper treatment. Not disclosing certain things could put the patient at risk, as a doctor will make decisions based on the information provided.
When a patient has been diagnosed with premature atrial contractions, they should see a cardiologist regularly for monitoring. The cardiologist will check for changes in the heart rhythm and help the patient monitor the condition so that it does not become more serious. Patients should also immediately consult a physician if they experience shortness of breath, chest pain, and other symptoms of more serious cardiac events, notifying medical staff that CAP has been experienced in the past.