A 34-year-old man comes to the office for evaluation of premature atrial complexes found on a routine ECG

A 34-year-old man comes to the office for evaluation of premature atrial complexes found on a routine ECG. He has had no chest

pain, shortness of breath, or lightheadedness He has smoked 1-2 packs of cigarettes daily and consumed 1-2 beers a day for the

past 10 years The patient’s family history is significant for a myocardial infarction in his mother at age 65 and a stroke in his father at

age 72. He has no personal history of hypertension or diabetes. Physical examination, including vital signs, is within normal limits.

What is the best next step in management of this patient?

  • Q A Advise him to stop alcohol and tobacco
  • Q B. Order 24-hour Holter monitoring
  • Q C. Perform a transthoracic echocardiogram
  • Q D. Provide reassurance and follow-up if symptoms develop
  • 0 E. Start beta blocker therapy

0 voters

Key A
Premature atrial complex
Precipitating factor are:
Tobacco, caffeine and stress