Introduction
Premature atrial contraction = Supraventricular extrasystole (SVES) is an extra heartbeat caused by electrical activation of the atria from an abnormal site before a normal heartbeat would occur.
Also known as premature atrial complex, atrial extrasystole, atrial premature beat (APB), supraventricular premature beat.
SVES may be caused by one of several mechanisms- re-entry, automaticity or triggered activity. They originate in any part of the heart above the ventricles apart from sinoatrial node – including AV node or His bundle.
Classification
Trigeminy – every second sinus beat is followed by APB
ECG findings
ECG 1 Trigeminy - every second beat is followed by a supraventricular premature beat (purple S) - this beat is then followed by a noncompensatory pause (shorter than 2xPP)
Management
References
Introduction
Premature atrial contraction = Supraventricular extrasystole (SVES) is an extra heartbeat caused by electrical activation of the atria from an abnormal site before a normal heartbeat would occur.
Also known as premature atrial complex, atrial extrasystole, atrial premature beat (APB), supraventricular premature beat.
SVES may be caused by one of several mechanisms- re-entry, automaticity or triggered activity. They originate in any part of the heart above the ventricles apart from sinoatrial node – including AV node or His bundle.
Classification
Trigeminy – every second sinus beat is followed by APB
ECG findings
ECG 1 Trigeminy - every second beat is followed by a supraventricular premature beat (purple S) - this beat is then followed by a noncompensatory pause (shorter than 2xPP)
Management
References