We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What are Premature Atrial Contractions?

Mary McMahon
By
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 25,747
Share

Premature atrial contractions (PACs) are a type of heart arrhythmia. They are extremely common, with many people experiencing these contractions at some point in their lives. In some cases, the condition is benign, while in other cases, the PACs can indicate that the patient is at risk for a more serious problem, and it may be necessary to take steps to manage the heart rhythm. People with heart conditions who experience these contractions are a cause for special concern.

This type of arrhythmia occurs when the atria, the two upper chambers of the heart, beat before they are supposed to. Many people never even notice that a premature atrial contraction is occurring, although some people feel the contraction as a faint flutter or palpitation, as though the heart has skipped a beat. With the use of an electrocardiogram (ECG) or the wearing of a heart rate monitor, a doctor can track the contractions, determining how often and when they occur.

In patients for whom premature atrial contractions are a mild concern, the condition may be managed with diet. Cutting down on caffeine often eliminates or greatly reduces them, and other diet and exercise changes can also be used to address the condition. Medications to manage heart rhythm are also available, although these are generally only used in more severe cases.

In addition to diet, stress can be a major factor in the development of premature atrial contractions, as can certain lifestyle activities such as using drugs or engaging in heavy exercise. Patients should be honest about their lifestyles when being interviewed by a cardiologist: they cannot get into legal trouble for disclosing something like drug use, and knowing everything about a patient will help a doctor develop a diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan. Failure to disclose certain things could put a patient at risk, as a doctor will make decisions based on the information he or she has been provided with.

When a patient has been diagnosed with premature atrial contractions, he or she will need to go to a cardiologist regularly for monitoring. The cardiologist will check for changes in heart rhythm, and help the patient manage the condition so that it does not become more severe. Patients should also immediately consult a doctor if they experience difficulty breathing, chest pain, and other symptoms of more serious heart events, notifying medical personnel that PACs have been experienced in the past.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Mary McMahon
By Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGeek researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
By Kalley — On Feb 14, 2011

@AngelChaser – There are many different medications that can be used for premature atrial contractions if they’re still bothersome and diet and lifestyle changes haven’t helped. Beta blockers can help, as well as medications that control heart rhythm like flecainide and propafenone. Your doctor is the best person to consult about whether you should take medication for your premature atrial contractions, and which medication to take.

By AngelChaser — On Feb 12, 2011

So what medications are used for premature atrial contractions if diet and lifestyle changes don’t help reduce them?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a...

Learn more
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-are-premature-atrial-contractions.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.