Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Premature atrial contraction epidemiology and demographics
Introduction
Overview
Overview
Premature atrial contraction (PAC) can occur at any age and they should not be always considered as an abnormal finding. The prevalence depends on the technique used for evaluation and the presence of heart disease.
Epidemiology and Demographics
Epidemiology and Demographics
- Premature atrial contraction occur commonly in both young and elderly subjects, however studies have shown that the frequency and prevalence of PACs appears to increase with age.[1]
- The prevalence of PACs is highly dependent upon the technique used for evaluation. A 24-hour Holter monitoring is most preferred modality for the evaluation of premature ventricular complex.
- The presence and frequency of PACs is dependent upon the presence of structural heart disease. They tend to occur more common in people with left ventricular dysfuction irrespective of the etiology.
References
References
- ↑ Romhilt DW, Chaffin C, Choi SC, Irby EC (1984). “Arrhythmias on ambulatory electrocardiographic monitoring in women without apparent heart disease”. Am J Cardiol. 54 (6): 582–6. PMID 6475777.
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Mugilan Poongkunran M.B.B.S [2]