What is atrial flutter?
Atrial flutter (AFL or A-Flutter) is a common type of supraventricular arrhythmia. It is characterized by rapid electrical activity of your upper chambers with a variable amount of rapid beats of your lower chambers. It is associated with an increased risk of stroke.
Dr. Leandro Perez explains atrial flutter and how it affects your heart.
What causes atrial flutter?
Atrial flutter may be caused by:
lung disease
sleep apnea
unhealthy dietary patterns
obesity
excess alcohol intake
thyroid gland disease
heart valve abnormalities
medication side effects
illicit drug use and other factors.
What are the symptoms of atrial flutter?
Symptoms may include fatigue, dizziness, chest pain, shortness of breath, rapid heart sensation and palpitations. In some cases, weakness, fatigue and fainting may occur.
How is atrial flutter diagnosed?
Your doctor will obtain a detailed history and perform a physical examination. This is followed by an electrocardiogram (EKG) and blood tests; an echocardiogram, stress test or prolonged heart rhythm monitoring may recommended. Sleep studies are advisable in patients who report symptoms of sleep apnea. In certain situations, a heart catheterization and electrophysiology study may be necessary.
How is atrial flutter treated?
Treatment depends on how atrial flutter is affecting your quality of life. Management involves taking anti-arrhythmic drugs and/or performing procedures to restore your heart rhythm to normal. Procedures may include cardioversion, catheter-based ablation or surgical-based ablation. Anticoagulation (blood thinner medication) is indicated to reduce your stroke risk. Reversible causes are identified and eliminated or controlled
Don’t wait to seek treatment for atrial flutter
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