Focal Atrial Tachycardia

Creado por team@ekgdx.com el 11 de Febrero de 2023

Let’s talk about focal atrial tachycardia.

Focal atrial tachycardia is characterized by at least three or more consecutive ectopic P waves with similar morphology, usually arising from a single ectopic focus.

Criteria

  • ≥3 consecutive similar ectopic P waves (usually inverted in inferior leads).
  • Atrial rate >100 bpm.
  • QRS usually narrow unless pre-existing BBB or aberrant conduction.

Note the inverted P waves with similar morphology and atrial rate of 160 bpm and PR interval >110 msec (0.11 sec). 

 

Same rhythm strip with graphical explanation. 

 

Illustration. 

Possible causes: Drug abuse, digoxin toxicity, hypoxia, catecholamine release, alcohol, exercise, congenital heart disease, others. 

NOTE: Focal atrial tachycardia with AV block is usually mistaken for atrial flutter.

NOTE: The ventricular rate may varies, depending on AV nodal conduction.

NOTE: Sometimes atrial tachycardia is mistaken for junctional tachycardia when the retrograde P waves appear before the QRS (negative P wave). If the PR interval >0.11 sec. indicates atrial focus, if the PR interval <0.11 sec. indicates junctional origin.

NOTE: A negative P wave in leads I and aVL suggests left atrial origin. 

Do you want to practice with complex EKGs?

If you are a cardiology fellow who needs to practice for the ABIM cardiology board or you are someone who wants to practice with complex 12-lead EKGs, our Volume II is what you need.

Do you want to improve your EKG skills?

With our unique, revolutionary and innovative educational platform, you will learn EKG easier than ever. Download the App here and get started. I hope you enjoy our interactive way of learning EKG. 

References

Popular articles

Related articles

It may interest you

Read more

Thanks for joining us. 

Dr. Roig

Focal Atrial Tachycardia