Premature atrial contraction pathophysiology

Mechanisms responsible for spontaneous premature atrial contraction are not clear but reentry within the atrium is the most probable mechanism.

PACs occur frequently in subjects with normal hearts and hence it is difficult to establish a definite relationship to the factors that predispose to these extra beats. However the following could be the possible mechanisms for PACs :

• Reentry within the atrium
• Autonomic modulation of the atria
• Automaticity Activity
• Triggered Activity

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