What is Atrial Flutter?
Atrial flutter is a type of arrhythmia or irregular heartbeat. It occurs when the atria, the upper chambers of the heart, contract too quickly and too frequently. This results in a rapid heartbeat of about 240-350 beats per minute. Atrial flutter can be serious and requires prompt medical attention.
What Causes Atrial Flutter?
Atrial flutter is caused by abnormal electrical signals in the atria. These abnormal signals can be caused by a variety of conditions, including:
- Heart Disease: Atrial flutter is more common in people with heart disease, especially those with heart failure or previous heart surgery.
- Lung Disease: Chronic lung disease, such as emphysema, can increase the risk of atrial flutter.
- Hyperthyroidism: An overactive thyroid gland can cause atrial flutter.
- Alcohol or Drug Abuse: Heavy alcohol consumption or the use of certain drugs can increase the risk of atrial flutter.
- Other Medical Conditions: Atrial flutter can also be caused by certain medical conditions, such as sleep apnea, sarcoidosis, and myotonic dystrophy.
What are the Symptoms of Atrial Flutter?
The symptoms of atrial flutter can vary from person to person. Some people may have no symptoms at all, while others may experience:
- Rapid Heartbeat: The most common symptom of atrial flutter is a rapid heartbeat that can be felt in the chest or neck.
- Lightheadedness or Dizziness: Atrial flutter can cause lightheadedness or dizziness, especially when standing up.
- Shortness of Breath: Atrial flutter can cause shortness of breath, especially in people with underlying lung or heart disease.
- Fatigue: Atrial flutter can cause fatigue, especially in people with underlying heart disease.
How is Atrial Flutter Diagnosed?
Atrial flutter can be diagnosed by a doctor during a physical examination. The doctor will listen to the heart with a stethoscope and may detect a rapid, regular heartbeat. Other tests that may be used to diagnose atrial flutter include:
- Electrocardiogram: An electrocardiogram (ECG) records the electrical activity of the heart and can detect atrial flutter.
- Echocardiogram: An echocardiogram uses sound waves to create a picture of the heart and can detect atrial flutter.
- Holter Monitor: A Holter monitor is a portable ECG device that records the heart's electrical activity for 24 to 48 hours.
- Event Monitor: An event monitor is a portable ECG device that records the heart's electrical activity when a person feels symptoms.
How is Atrial Flutter Treated?
Treatment for atrial flutter depends on the individual case, the underlying condition and the patient's overall health. Treatment options include:
- Medications: Medications such as beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, or anti-arrhythmic drugs can be used to slow the heart rate and control symptoms.
- Cardioversion: Cardioversion is a procedure that uses electrical shocks to restore the normal rhythm of the heart.
- Catheter Ablation: This procedure uses radiofrequency energy to create small scars in the heart tissue to disrupt the abnormal electrical signals causing atrial flutter. It is performed by threading a thin tube (catheter) through a vein in the leg or neck and into the heart.
- Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be necessary to treat atrial flutter. For example, a surgical procedure called the "Maze" procedure may be used to create small scars in the heart tissue to disrupt the abnormal electrical signals.
How can Atrial Flutter be Prevented?
The various methods to prevent atrial flutter include:
- Managing Underlying Medical Conditions: Managing underlying medical conditions, such as hyperthyroidism or sleep apnea, can help prevent atrial flutter.
- Lifestyle Changes: Making lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking, reducing alcohol consumption, and losing weight, can help prevent atrial flutter.
- Medications: Taking medications as prescribed by your doctor can help prevent atrial flutter.
It's important to note that atrial flutter can recur after treatment and lifestyle changes should be continued to prevent recurrence.
