Atrial Flutter - Atrial Flutter - Causes, Symptom, Cure, Treatment of Atrial Flutter

What is Atrial Flutter?

Atrial flutter is a rhythm disturbance of the atria that results in regular tachycardic ventricular waveforms. Atrial flutter is typically not a stable rhythm, and frequently degenerates to atrial fibrillation . However, it may persist for months to years. Atrial flutter is a form of tachycardia (rapid heart rate).

Causes of Atrial Flutter

Atrial flutter can be the result of valve disease, hardening of the arteries, thyroid disease, or heart failure. Another cause is swelling and irritation of the outside of the heart. If the cause is treated, your heart rate may return to normal. There is a chance that no cause will be found.

Sings and Symptoms of Atrial Flutter

Symptoms of atrial flutter vary greatly, depending upon the person's heart and lung condition. They can include:

• A rapid, usually regular pulse, sometimes as high as 150 beats per minute.
• Low blood pressure, if the rapid heart beat decreases the pumping action of the heart.
• Palpitations, or an unusual awareness of the rapid or forceful beating of the heart.
• Shortness of breath.
• Dizziness, or lightheadedness.
• Chest pain.

Treatment of Atrial Flutter

Atrial flutter are usually treated with medications or electrical shock. In some cases, removal of a small portion of the heart (ablation), implantation of a pacemaker or a cardioverter defibrillator, or maze surgery is needed.

Medicines - Heart medicine will be given in your IV to slow your heart rate. If you get dizzy, feel pain, or have other side effects after getting your medicine, call your doctor right away.

Cardioversion - Cardioversion is commonly the initial treatment of choice. Cardioversion often requires low energies. If the electrical shock results in AF, a second shock at a higher energy level is used to restore normal sinus rhythm (NSR). For most patients with atrial flutter, radiofrequency ablation is the current treatment of choice.

Rate control - Control of the ventricular rate in atrial flutter may be more difficult than if the individual was in atrial fibrillation. This is because of properties of the AV node. In atrial fibrillation, the AV node is typically bombarded with signals from the atria at rates in excess of 400 beats/minute. This causes a high degree of block within the AV node, with many signals partially penetrating the node and blocking at the lower levels of the AV node. This phenomenon is known as concealed conduction. In atrial flutter, on the other hand, the AV node receives signals very rhythmically at a rate of about 300/minute.

Self-Care at Home

Most people known to have atrial flutter will be taking prescribed medications. Avoid taking any stimulants, and consult with your health care provider before taking any new medications, herbs, or supplements.