Atrial Premature Contractions: How Many Are Considered Normal?

Atrial premature contractions (APCs) are considered normal if they account for less than 1% of the total heartbeats in a 24-hour period. On average, a healthy individual experiences approximately 100,000 heartbeats per day. Therefore, fewer than 1,000 APCs in a day is generally regarded as within the normal range. However, if the number of APCs exceeds 1% of total daily heartbeats, this is classified as frequent atrial premature contractions.

Understanding Frequent Atrial Premature Contractions

When APCs occur frequently, it becomes important to investigate the underlying causes. These may include structural heart issues such as atrial enlargement or other cardiovascular conditions like hypertension, valvular heart disease, cardiomyopathy, or coronary artery disease. Identifying the root cause is essential for determining the appropriate treatment plan.

Treatment Options for High APC Counts

If APCs exceed 10% of total heartbeats and the patient has a structurally normal heart, medications such as propafenone may be prescribed. However, for patients with compromised heart function, amiodarone (commonly known as Cordarone) is often the preferred treatment. It's crucial to note that medication should always be tailored to the individual and prescribed by a qualified physician. Self-medicating without medical supervision can be dangerous and is strongly discouraged.