MAT is commonly precipitated by exacerbation of COPD, sometimes due to infection or cardiac decompensation. Increasing hypoxemia with respiratory acidosis and advanced disease also leads to increased bronchodilator usage, thereby increasing catecholamine levels, which may contribute to development of MAT.

What can cause multifocal atrial tachycardia?

• Chronic lung disease.
• Acute respiratory failure.
• Coronary artery disease.
• Congestive heart failure.
• Diabetes.
• Chronic kidney failure.
• Pneumonia.
• Sepsis.

Is multifocal atrial tachycardia rare?

Multifocal atrial tachycardia is a relatively uncommon arrhythmia seen in 0.05% to 0.32% of electrocardiograms in general hospital admissions.