Atrial Flutter

Atrial flutter is a type of supraventricular tachycardia characterized by a rapid but regular atrial rhythm. It occurs when there is an abnormal electrical circuit in the atria, which are the upper chambers of the heart.

Causes and Risk Factors

Atrial flutter can be caused by various factors, including:

• High blood pressure
• Coronary artery disease
• Heart failure
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Pulmonary embolism
• Surgical procedures, such as heart surgery or lung surgery
• Certain medications, such as theophylline and caffeine

Symptoms

The symptoms of atrial flutter may include:

• Palpitations or irregular heartbeat
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain or discomfort
• Fatigue or weakness
• Lightheadedness or dizziness
• Syncope (fainting)

Diagnosis

Atrial flutter is typically diagnosed using:

• Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG): a test that measures the electrical activity of the heart
• Holter monitor: a portable device that records the heart's rhythm over a 24-hour period
• Echocardiogram: an ultrasound test that evaluates the heart's structure and function

Treatment

The treatment of atrial flutter depends on the underlying cause and severity of symptoms. Options may include:

• Medications to control the heart rate, such as beta blockers or calcium channel blockers
• Medications to convert the abnormal rhythm back to normal, such as anti-arrhythmic medications
• Electrical cardioversion: a procedure that uses electrical shocks to restore a normal heartbeat
• Catheter ablation: a minimally invasive procedure that destroys the abnormal electrical circuit in the atria

Complications

If left untreated, atrial flutter can lead to complications such as:

• Stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA)
• Heart failure
• Cardiac arrest

Prevention

To reduce the risk of developing atrial flutter, it is essential to:

• Maintain a healthy blood pressure
• Manage underlying medical conditions, such as COPD or heart failure
• Avoid excessive caffeine and alcohol consumption
• Get regular exercise and maintain a healthy weight

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is atrial flutter?
A type of irregular heartbeat characterized by rapid contractions of the heart's atria.

What causes atrial flutter?
Often caused by high blood pressure, heart disease, or previous heart surgery.

What are the symptoms of atrial flutter?
Palpitations, shortness of breath, fatigue, and dizziness.

How is atrial flutter diagnosed?
Electrocardiogram (ECG) and physical examination.

Can atrial flutter be treated?
Yes, with medications, cardioversion, or catheter ablation.

What are the risks of untreated atrial flutter?
Increased risk of stroke, heart failure, and other complications.

Can atrial flutter be prevented?
Managing underlying conditions like high blood pressure and heart disease can help.

Is atrial flutter life-threatening?
Typically not immediately life-threatening but requires medical attention.

How common is atrial flutter?
Affects approximately 1 in 1,000 people, more common with age.

Can atrial flutter be converted to a normal heartbeat?
Yes, often with cardioversion or catheter ablation procedures.