What are the different types of atrial tachycardia?

What are the different types of atrial tachycardia?

Atrial tachycardia can be grouped into two types by the size of the area affected.

Focal. This kind of atrial tachycardia happens when the problem starts in a specific location on your heart. This problem location is called a focus. This type of atrial tachycardia is usually not dangerous, but it can be if it continues over a longer period.

• There can be more than one focus in some cases, which is called multifocal atrial tachycardia. This type of atrial tachycardia can be easier to diagnose but may also be harder to treat. It's most commonly seen with COPD and as a toxic effect of digoxin.

Macro-reentrant. This type of atrial tachycardia works similar to reentry as described above but with some differences. A key feature of macro-reentrant atrial tachycardia is that the circuit happens over a wider area. It also usually happens because the signal has to travel around a part of the heart or an area of scar tissue before creating the circuit.

• This type of atrial tachycardia can also cause atrial flutter. This is more severe than atrial tachycardia but not as severe as atrial fibrillation.