Very rapid rates can also decrease the amount of time the heart has to fill with blood, which reduces heart function. M.A.T. may be associated with COPD , congenital bacterial pneumonia , congestive heart failure , lung cancer , pulmonary embolus , coronary heart disease , any condition that reduces the amount of oxygen in the blood, surgery within the last 6 weeks, overdose of theophylline or digitalis, diabetes mellitus , bacterial infections, and other conditions. M.A.T. occurs in approximately 1 out of 1,000 people. It is most common in those over 50 years old. An examination shows a heart rate of 100 to 180 beats per minute.
Blood pressure is normal or low.
The goal of treatment is to prevent complications. The underlying condition should be treated. Verapamil may be of some benefit in controlling the disorder. M.A.T. is controllable if the underlying condition can be controlled. Call your health care provider if rapid or irregular heartbeat is associated with other M.A.T. symptoms.