Multifocal Atrial Tachycardia: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Achuta Uppu, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Multifocal Atrial Tachycardia?
A cardiologist, a heart doctor, usually treats heart rhythm problems like multifocal atrial tachycardia. A pulmonologist, a lung doctor, may help treat the lung disease that often triggers it. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is multifocal atrial tachycardia?
Multifocal atrial tachycardia (MAT) is a type of rapid heart rate. It occurs when too many signals (electrical impulses) are sent from the upper heart (atria) to the lower heart (ventricles). The normal heart rate in adults is 60 to 100 beats per minute. In people with MAT, many locations in the atria fire signals at the same time. It most often ranges from 100 to 130 beats per minute or more in adults.
The fast heart rate may make the heart work too hard and not move blood well. When the heart rate is less than 100 beats per minute, the arrhythmia is called "wandering atrial pacemaker." MAT is also called chaotic atrial tachycardia.
Symptoms
Some people may have no symptoms. When symptoms occur, they can include:
- Chest tightness.
- Fainting.
- Lightheadedness.
- Palpitations, a feeling that the heart is beating too fast or unevenly.
- Shortness of breath.
- Dizziness.
Causes and who gets it
In MAT, many spots in the upper heart chambers send out signals at once. Doctors do not fully understand how MAT starts. It is linked to lung, heart artery, and heart valve disease. MAT is most common in people age 50 and over. It is often seen in people with conditions that lower the amount of oxygen in the blood.
These conditions include:
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a long-term lung disease.
- Lung cancer.
- Pneumonia, a lung infection.
- Pulmonary embolism, a blood clot in the lungs.
You may be at higher risk for MAT if you have:
- Coronary heart disease.
- Diabetes.
- Had surgery within the last 6 weeks.
- Overdosed on the drug theophylline.
- Sepsis, a serious reaction to an infection.
How doctors diagnose it
A physical exam shows a fast irregular heartbeat of over 100 beats per minute. Tests to diagnose MAT include:
- An electrocardiogram (ECG), a test that records the heart's electrical signals.
Heart monitors may record the fast heartbeat. These include a 24-hour Holter monitor and portable, long-term loop recorders that you can start when symptoms occur. If you are in the hospital, your heart rhythm will be monitored 24 hours a day, at least at first. A single ECG can easily make MAT look like atrial fibrillation, another heart rhythm problem. So doctors repeat the ECG to confirm it.
Treatment
If you have a condition that can lead to MAT, that condition should be treated first. Treatment for MAT includes:
- Improving blood oxygen levels.
- Giving magnesium or potassium through a vein.
- Having your doctor stop or change medicines, such as theophylline, which can increase heart rate. Never stop a prescribed medicine on your own.
- Taking medicines to slow the heart rate (if the heart rate is too fast), such as calcium channel blockers (verapamil, diltiazem) or beta-blockers.
Medicines that correct heart rhythm, and cardioversion (an electric shock to reset the heart), have been shown to be ineffective. MAT can be controlled if the condition that causes the rapid heartbeat is treated and controlled.
Problems can include cardiomyopathy (weak heart muscle) and heart failure. To reduce the risk for developing MAT, treat the disorders that cause it right away.
When to see a doctor
Contact your health care provider if:
- You have a rapid or irregular heartbeat with other MAT symptoms.
- You have MAT and your symptoms get worse, do not improve with treatment, or you develop new symptoms.
Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you faint, have chest pain, or have trouble breathing.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. A direct primary care doctor can review your symptoms and medicines, arrange follow-up visits, and coordinate care with a heart or lung specialist.
Common questions
Is multifocal atrial tachycardia the same as atrial fibrillation?
No. MAT is often misinterpreted as atrial fibrillation, but the two are different heart rhythms. Management vastly differs between the two, so an accurate diagnosis matters.
Who is most likely to get MAT?
People age 50 and over, and people with conditions that lower blood oxygen, are most likely to get MAT.
Can MAT be controlled?
Yes. MAT can be controlled if the condition that causes the rapid heartbeat is treated and controlled. Doctors treat the underlying condition first.
Does MAT always cause symptoms?
No. Some people may have no symptoms. When symptoms occur, they can include chest tightness, fainting, and shortness of breath.
Sources
- MedlinePlus - Multifocal atrial tachycardia
- PubMed Central - Challenges in diagnosing and managing multifocal atrial tachycardia
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
