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Multifocal atrial tachycardia

• Overview
• Symptoms
• Treatment
• Prevention

Treatment:

If you have a condition that can lead to MAT, that condition should be treated first.

Treatment for MAT includes:

• Methods to improve blood oxygen levels
• Magnesium given by IV (intravenous) line
• Stopping medications, such as theophylline, which can increase the heart rate
• Medicines to control the heart rate, such as such as calcium channel blockers (verapamil, diltiazem) or selective beta-blockers

Expectations (prognosis):

MAT can be controlled if the condition that causes the rapid heart beat is treated and controlled.

Complications:

• Reduced pumping action of the heart
• Heart failure
• Cardiomyopathy

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if:

• Rapid or irregular heartbeat is associated with other MAT symptoms.
• Symptoms worsen, do not improve with treatment, or new symptoms develop.

References:

Ferri FF. Ferri’s Clinical Advisor: Instant Diagnosis and Treatment. 8th ed. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby; 2006:540.

Marx J. Rosen’s Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice . 5th ed. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby; 2002:1080-1081.

• Review Date: 7/17/2006
• Reviewed By: Glenn Gandelman, MD, MPH, Assistant Clinical Professor of Medicine, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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