The Lister Hospital
Chelsea Bridge Road, SW1W 8RH London
Atrial tachycardia
Atrial tachycardia is a form of supraventricular tachycardiac (SVT), an abnormal heart rhythm (arrhythmia) that causes a sudden, rapid heart beat.
What is atrial tachycardia?
Atrial tachycardia arises from a small area (focus) of tissue in the upper chambers of your heart (atria). This focus starts to fire abnormal electrical signals and causes your heart to beat abnormally rapidly.
Usually, the focus only fires intermittently (paroxysmal atrial tachycardia) but it can be more persistent, lasting for days or months, and may require treatment to stop it and restore normal rhythm.
Need to know
Symptoms of atrial tachycardia can vary from no symptoms at all to palpitations, awareness of a rapid heart beat and others such as:
- chest pains
- shortness of breath
- dizziness
Atrial tachycardia usually occurs for no apparent reason. However a number of reasons can be factors, and these may include congenital defects, valve problems, or a damaged or weakened heart muscle following a heart attack. Episodes can also be triggered by excess alcohol use or thyroid conditions.
An electrocardiogram (ECG) is the most commonly used test to diagnose atrial tachycardia. This measures the electrical activity of your heart. Other tests include may include:
- an electrocardiogram (ECG) while you're exercising on a treadmill
- a Holter monitor test, where you'll wear an ECG device over at least 24 hours to track your heart's rhythm
- an electrophysiology study
- an implantable loop recorder
Treatment of atrial tachycardia is required if you're experiencing unpleasant symptoms or if a permanently increased heart rate is putting your heart at risk and increasing your risk of stroke. Your consultant will discuss your symptoms and treatment options to determine the best approach for you. In some cases, they may recommend treatment with medication or catheter ablation.
Our Atrial tachycardia locations
London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street SE1 2PR London
The Harley Street Clinic
35 Weymouth Street W1G 8BJ London
Patient stories
Yvette's story: From back pain to hip replacement surgery
Yvette (54) a journalist from Kent, started experiencing pain in her hip seven years ago in 2015. An ex-national gymnast who had been incredibly active and flexible her whole life, Yvette felt concerned about the growing discomfort impacting her quality of life, and so sought help from her GP.
A new hip and straight back into the spin of things
David’s gym video shows him repeatedly pushing up to 100kg on a single leg press – not particularly unusual for this keen cyclist, former competitive squash player and all-round fitness enthusiast. What is unusual is that 52-year-old David had hip surgery just 12 weeks earlier.
Michael's MAKO hip surgery to treat his arthritis
73 year-old Michael, an avid walker and charity worker, was diagnosed with arthritis in January 2021. After facing long waiting times and increasing pain that was becoming more frequent, he started to look elsewhere for treatment.
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.