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European Heart Journal 1999 20(9):694-700; doi:10.1053/euhj.1998.1313
Copyright © 1999 by the European Society of Cardiology.
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Prevalence and natural course of ectopic atrial tachycardia

PoutiainenA.-M. a,f1, M. J. Koistinena, K.E. J. Airaksinena, E.K. Hartikainenb, R.V.J. Kettunenb, J.E. Karjalainenc and H.V. Huikuria

a Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, University of Oulu, Oulu
b Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, University of Kuopio, Kuopio
c Central Military Hospital, Helsinki, Finland

revised August 29, 1998; accepted September 2, 1998

Abstract

Aims

The purpose of this study was to calculate the prevalence of ectopic atrial tachycardia in a population of young asymptomatic males and to assess its natural course both in asymptomatic subjects and in symptomatic hospital patients.

Methods and Results

12-lead electrocardiograms (ECG) of 3554 consecutive males applying for a pilot’s licence were analysed. ECGs of symptomatic arrhythmia patients at two university hospitals were also analysed. A repeat ECG was taken in cases of ectopic atrial tachycardia to assess the natural course of this arrhythmia. Twelve out of 3554 asymptomatic subjects (prevalence 0·34%) and 17 out of 3700 symptomatic arrhythmia patients (prevalence 0·46%) had ECG evidence of ectopic atrial tachycardia. A repeat ECG was obtained after a mean follow-up of 8±3 years in asymptomatic subjects and 7±3 years in symptomatic patients. After the follow-up, seven (26%) out of 27 patients were still in a similar ectopic atrial rhythm, 10 (37%) showed a change in P wave morphology and 10 (37%) were in sinus rhythm. Heart rate was significantly slower (mean rate 81±19 vs 109±17 beats.min–1) in the repeat ECGs.

Conclusion

Asymptomatic ectopic atrial tachycardia is not an uncommon finding in a population of young males. The majority of patients show slowing of heart rate in the course of time, either with restoration of sinus rhythm or with a change in P wave morphology, suggesting that the ectopic foci undergo gradual degeneration with time.

Key Words: Ectopic atrial tachycardia • prevalence • natural course

f1 Correspondence: Aino-Maija Poutiainen, Oulu University Hospital, Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Kajaanintie 50, 90220 Oulu, Finland.

Jalife, JZipes, D

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