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Atrial tachycardia
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ATRIAL TACHYCARDIA AT HCA HEALTHCARE UK
Why choose us?
When you choose HCA UK, you’ll have personalised cardiac support delivered by skilled specialists that have cared for 110,000 patients in the last three years alone. Our network of inpatient hospitals and 15 outpatient and diagnostic centres means you’ll be supported by industry-leading facilities and technologies, enabling us to offer the most effective treatment for your needs.
We’re the UK’s no.1 for private cardiovascular care, expert in every aspect of diagnosis and treatment. 250 cardiac consultants work across our outstanding care network and 99% of our clinical outcomes are successful.
We’re the UK’s no.1 for private cardiovascular care, expert in every aspect of diagnosis and treatment. 250 cardiac consultants work across our outstanding care network and 99% of our clinical outcomes are successful.
Atrial tachycardia is a type of arrhythmia that means your heart beats abnormally quickly. You develop it if a small area of tissue, known as the focus, in the upper chambers of your heart (your atria) starts to fire abnormally rapid electrical signals.
Usually, the focus only fires intermittently and this is called paroxysmal atrial tachycardia. But it can also be more persistent, lasting for days or months. This may require treatment to stop it and restore your normal heart rhythm.
If you have atrial tachycardia, you may have no symptoms at all. However, you may develop heart palpitations and an unusually rapid heartbeat.
You may also develop:
- Chest pains
- Shortness of breath
- Dizziness
Left untreated, atrial tachycardia can increase your risk of having a stroke. So it’s always a good idea to get any worrying symptoms checked by an expert as soon as possible.
We don’t always know why atrial tachycardia occurs - there’s often no apparent reason. However, if you have a congenital heart defect, heart valve problems or a damaged or weakened heart muscle following a heart attack you’re more likely to develop it.
Episodes can also be triggered by thyroid conditions and by excessive alcohol intake.
Episodes can also be triggered by thyroid conditions and by excessive alcohol intake.
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Think you might have atrial tachycardia?
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ATRIAL TACHYCARDIA TESTS AND SCANS AT HCA UK
Clear answers and an accurate diagnosis
Your consultant cardiologist will usually start their diagnosis by asking you about any family history of heart disease and discussing your symptoms with you.
They’re likely to recommend that you have some imaging tests, supported by HCA UK’s experienced cardiologists and electrophysiologists. This will help them form a clear diagnosis and you’ll have results back within 48 hours.
An electrocardiogram (ECG) is the most commonly used test to diagnose atrial tachycardia, measuring the electrical activity of your heart. It can be carried out while you’re lying down or while you’re exercising on a treadmill. Your consultant may also recommend that you have:
ATRIAL TACHYCARDIA TREATMENTS AT HCA UK
Expert interventions and support
If you're experiencing unpleasant symptoms or if a permanently increased heart rate is putting strain on your heart and increasing your risk of stroke, your consultant cardiologist will recommend treatment.
They’ll discuss your symptoms and all the treatment options to determine the best approach. Sometimes a course of medication may be enough to manage the symptoms. They may also recommend that you have catheter ablation.
They’ll discuss your symptoms and all the treatment options to determine the best approach. Sometimes a course of medication may be enough to manage the symptoms. They may also recommend that you have catheter ablation.
Accessing private health care
Self-pay
You don’t need health insurance to be seen quickly. If you’re looking for a diagnosis or treatment and don’t want to wait, all our private healthcare services – from private GP appointments through to surgery and aftercare – can be paid for as and when you need them.
And to give you peace of mind from the start, we’ll offer you a clear and transparent quote outlining exactly what’s included in your self-pay package.
Atrial Tachycardia FAQs
Regular exercise and a balanced diet, as well as not smoking are all excellent ways of keeping your heart healthy. A healthy heart may be less likely to develop atrial tachycardia.
If you have atrial tachycardia, the rapid heartbeats can put an increased strain on your heart muscle and increase your risk of having a stroke. Your cardiac consultant can talk to you about your own specific condition and advise you on the best course of action.
Catheter ablation is a minimally invasive procedure that can stop the electrical impulses that cause irregular heart rhythms.
It works by scarring the heart tissue where the arrhythmia is occurring, using either heat or cold, depending on your condition. This scarring helps to block any abnormal electrical impulses and prevent unusual rhythms.
After the treatment, you shouldn’t experience any enduring pain or problems with your heart.
Our patients’ stories
Treating Helaina's heart rhythm disorder
Helaina from Northamptonshire was just 16 when she began experiencing unusual symptoms, including shortness of breath and heart palpitations, which rapidly worsened. She was otherwise fit, healthy and a huge lover of the great outdoors, leading to her family to grow concerned.
How a valve replacement helped Steve breathe easy again
When Steve found out his breathlessness was caused by a narrowed aortic valve, he was terrified of the thought of the open-heart surgery that might be needed to treat it. But with the expertise of Professor Sagar Doshi at The Harborne Hospital, he learned he could have a ‘keyhole’ alternative called TAVI.
“I've met many Doctors and without a doubt, Dr Behar is one of the best I have seen… He had taken the time before the appointment to study my background and get to know my case, which really allowed us to get the most out of the appointment... I trust him implicitly.”
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This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.