Paced atrial rhythm is an artificial cardiac rhythm generated by a pacemaker, typically due to the absence of the heart's intrinsic atrial electrical activity. It occurs when the pacemaker initiates electrical impulses to stimulate the atria, effectively acting as a substitute for the heart's natural pacemaker, the sinoatrial (SA) node.
Heart Rate: regular or irregular based on the pacemaker programming
Rhythm: Regular
P wave: Absent
PR Interval: Constant
QRS: Narrow and uniform in shape
The diagnosis of paced atrial rhythm is made through clinical assessment, electrocardiogram (ECG) or telemetry monitoring, and knowledge of the patient's medical history, which includes the presence of a cardiac pacemaker.
Paced atrial rhythms are typically the result of a pacemaker implanted to manage bradycardia or other arrhythmias. Treatment involves the appropriate programming and monitoring of the pacemaker to ensure that it effectively regulates the heart rate and rhythm as intended. Complications such as lead dislodgement or malfunction need to be promptly identified and addressed. Medication Management: In some cases, patients with a pacemaker may require additional medications to manage coexisting cardiac conditions or arrhythmias that the pacemaker does not address."