| Multifocal atrial tachycardia | |
|---|---|
| Other names | Chaotic atrial tachycardia[1] |
 | |
| Multifocal atrial tachycardia | |
| Specialty | Cardiology  |
Multifocal (or multiform) atrial tachycardia (MAT) is an abnormal heart rhythm,[2] specifically a type of supraventricular tachycardia, that is particularly common in older people and is associated with exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Normally, the heart rate is controlled by a cluster of cells called the sinoatrial node (SA node). When a number of different clusters of cells outside the SA node take over control of the heart rate, and the rate exceeds 100 beats per minute, this is called multifocal atrial tachycardia (if the heart rate is ≤100, this is technically not a tachycardia and it is then termed multifocal atrial rhythm).[3]
"Multiform" refers to the observation of variable P wave shapes, while "multifocal" refers to the underlying cause. Although these terms are used interchangeably, some sources prefer "multiform" since it does not presume any underlying mechanism.
- ^ "Multifocal atrial tachycardia: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia". medlineplus.gov. Retrieved 28 May 2019.
- ^ Bradley DJ, Fischbach PS, Law IH, Serwer GA, Dick M (August 2001). "The clinical course of multifocal atrial tachycardia in infants and children". J. Am. Coll. Cardiol. 38 (2): 401–08. doi:10.1016/S0735-1097(01)01390-0. PMID 11499730.
- ^ "ECG Learning Center – An introduction to clinical electrocardiography". Library.med.utah.edu. Retrieved 2023-06-16.