Is Paroxysmal atrial tachycardia a disease?

Paroxysmal atrial tachycardia (PAT) is a type of heart arrhythmia, or irregular heartbeat. It is characterized by episodes of rapid heart rate that start and stop suddenly. PAT is not typically considered a disease in itself, but rather a symptom of an underlying heart condition.

PAT episodes may cause symptoms such as palpitations, chest pain, shortness of breath, lightheadedness, and dizziness. In some cases, PAT can lead to more serious complications, such as stroke or heart failure.

The underlying cause of PAT can vary. Some of the most common causes include:

* Atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT): This is the most common type of PAT. It occurs when electrical signals travel in a loop between the atrioventricular node (AV node) and the atria (the upper chambers of the heart).

* Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome (WPW): This is a condition that is characterized by an extra electrical pathway between the atria and the ventricles (the lower chambers of the heart). WPW can cause PAT and other types of arrhythmias.

* Other heart conditions: PAT can also be caused by other heart conditions, such as coronary artery disease, heart failure, and valvular heart disease.

Treatment for PAT typically involves medication to control the heart rate. In some cases, surgery or ablation therapy may be necessary to cure PAT.