PROGNOSIS IN PAROXYSMAL TACHYCARDIA AND PAROXYSMAL AURICULAR FIBRILLATION

Abstract

When the cardiovascular system is normal, attacks of paroxysmal tachycardia are uncomfortable but are relatively unimportant incidents. The probability of the attack spontaneously ceasing is good, though the attack may be serious in an individual who is already gravely ill. In the latter, the occurrence of heart failure resulting from the attack may lead to the formation of mural thrombi and emboli. Paroxysmal auricular fibrillation is probably common. When occurring in patients below the age of 40 it may be considered as having no prognostic significance. In later life, the occurrence of fibrillation may be the first signal of underlying heart disease.