Alila Academy

Premature atrial contractions, PACs, are premature heartbeats originating in one of the upper chambers of the heart, the atria. 

PACs are common among patients with lung disorders, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, COPD, but they also often occur in healthy people. PACs may be caused or worsened by caffeine, alcohol use, and certain medications.

Apart from occasional palpitations, PACs are generally asymptomatic and do not require treatment in otherwise healthy people.

A PAC happens when the atria are activated by an ectopic site in an atrium, instead of the SA node. 

Because atrial depolarization is initiated outside the SA node, the associated P wave has an unusual, non-sinus morphology...

Subscribe to one of the courses below to continue!