Premature atrial complexes are a result of abnormal electrical impulses that arise from the atria. However, it should be noted that it can be found in over 60% of normal adults on 24-hour Holter monitoring. PACs can initiate supraventricular tachycardia.

Cause

Depolarization that arise from the atria can be triggered by alcohol ingestion, tobacco, or adrenergic stimulants.

Clinical picture

They usually don't lead to symptoms and pass unnoticed. However, in some they can lead to palpitaions.

ECG readings

P waves differ in contour and axis from the normal sinus P wave. Depending on the degree of prematurity the PR interval of the PAC may be prolonged, and usually a compensatory pause occurs prior to the next sinus P wave. The compensatory pause here may not be complete (i.e. the interval between conducted sinus beats that bracket the VPC is not equal to two basic RR intervals, see premature ventricular complexes).

Treatment

PACs typically require no therapy. If symptomatic, therapy should be directed toward correction of underlying abnormalities. Beta-adrenergic antagonists or calcium channel antagonists may be useful.