Atrial ectopic beats

Atrial ectopic beats (also known as supraventricular premature beats or premature atrial complexes) occur when the stimulus for the atria to contract originates from a location other than the sinus node, causing an extra beat. Atrial ectopic beats are usually asymptomatic, infrequent and self-limiting.

Many people experience atrial ectopic beats as palpitations (particularly as a sensation of ‘missed beats’), often more so at rest than during exercise, and sometimes exacerbated by alcohol or caffeine. Explanation and reassurance will often lead to an improvement in symptoms; specific drug treatment for atrial ectopic beats is rarely required.

Drug treatment should only be considered for patients with intolerable symptoms, as there is limited evidence that drugs reduce the ectopic countLopez-Sendon 2004. If drug therapy is appropriate, use:

1atenolol 25 mg orally, daily, increasing if required up to 100 mg daily atenolol atenolol atenolol

OR

1metoprolol tartrate 25 mg orally, twice daily, increasing if required up to 100 mg twice daily metoprolol metoprolol metoprolol

OR

1verapamil modified-release 180 mg orally, daily, increasing if required up to 480 mg daily. verapamil verapamil verapamil