As with any other form of tachycardia (rapid heart beat), the underlying mechanism can be either the rapid discharge of an abnormal focus, the presence of a ring of cardiac tissue that gives rise to a circle movement (reentry),[1] or a triggered rapid rhythm due to other pathological circumstances (as would be the case with some drug toxicities, such as digoxin toxicity).
[2] Paroxysmal atrial tachycardia (PAT) is an episode of arrhythmia that begins and ends abruptly.
However, focal atrial tachycardia often occurs in healthy individuals without structural heart disease.
[2] Electrocardiographic features include:[2] Initial management of focal atrial tachycardia should focus on addressing underlying causes: treating acute illness, cessation of stimulants, stress reduction, appropriately managing digoxin toxicity, or chronic disease management.
Catheter ablation of focal atrial tachycardia may be appropriate in patients failing medical therapy.