Premature atrial complexes PAC

• Facts:
  Premature activation of the atria originating in a site other than the SA node
  May be manifestation of underlying heart disease or idiopathic
• History / PE:
  Usually asymptomatic, but may cause heart palpitations
• Treatment:
  Only required if patient symptomatic
  Avoidance of precipitating factors (ETOH, stress, tobacco)
• Complications:
  Supraventricular arrhythmias
  Ventricular arrhythmias (rare)
• See Also:
  Premature ventricular contractions (PVCs)