What Is Atrial Flutter?

Atrial Flutter or Atrial fibrillation occurs when your heart beats rapidly due to too many unusual electrical impulses. The atrial vibrates when they try to touch, but the contractions occur too quickly. In this condition, the atrial can vibrate up to 300 times per minute, which normally only vibrates 60 to 100.

How Common Is Atrial Flutter?

Atrial flutter is more common in older adults. Usually, men are more prone to atrial flutter than women.

What Are The Signs And Symptoms Of Atrial Flutter?

The main symptoms of atrial flutter are palpitations (a feeling that the heart is pounding or racing), dizziness, lightheadedness, and feeling lethargy. Other symptoms may include angina or heart failure. Angina is heart pain caused by an insufficiently low blood supply. Breathing problems, chest pain, and fainting can occur along with heart failure.

There may be signs and symptoms not listed above. If you have concerns about a particular symptom, consult your doctor.

When Should I See A Doctor?

If you have the above signs or symptoms or any other questions, please consult your doctor. Everyone's body is different. Always consult a doctor to treat your health condition.

What Causes Atrial Flutter?

There are many risk factors for atrial flutters such as:

• Alcohol use (especially drinking too much in a short time)
• Coronary artery disease
• Heart attack or heart bypass surgery
• Heart failure or an enlarged heart
• Heart valve disease (most commonly the mitral valve)
• Hypertension
• Caused by drugs
• An overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism)
• Pericarditis
• Sick sinus syndrome

What Increases My Risk For Atrial Flutter?

Certain factors that increase your risk of atrial flutter include:

• Age. The older you are, the greater your risk of atrial flutter.
• Heart disease. Anyone with heart disease — such as heart valve problems, congenital heart disease, congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease, or a history of heart attack and heart surgery — has an increased risk of atrial flutter.
• High blood pressure. Having high blood pressure, especially if it's not treated with lifestyle changes or medication, can increase your risk of atrial flutter.
• Drink alcoholic beverages. For some people, drinking alcohol can trigger atrial flutter. Drinking large amounts in a short time can increase your risk of being higher.
• Fibrillation.
• Family history. An increased risk of atrial flutter can run in some families.

What Are My Treatment Options For Atrial Flutter?

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.

The goals of treatment are to correct the cause of the Heart Rate disorder, slow the heart rate, prevent blood clots, and keep the heart rate normal.

Treatment depends on the symptoms and cause. Medications can help control the rate of ventricular contraction and try to return the heart rate to a normal level (chemical cardioversion). If that doesn't work or the symptoms get worse, the heart is shocked with electrical assistance. This procedure is called electrical cardioversion. A brief electric shock will stop the heart's activity and make the heart rate return to normal.

If all of these steps don't work, your healthcare provider may recommend an electrophysiology study (EPS). A cardiologist who specializes in heart rate problems can perform this test. EPS can help healthcare providers decide about other treatment options such as radiofrequency ablation, insertion of a pacemaker, and surgery

What Are The Usual Tests For Atrial Flutter?

Healthcare providers make a diagnosis based on a medical history, physical examination, and electrocardiography (ECG). An EKG can determine the electrical conduction system of the heart and can confirm the diagnosis. Echocardiography may also be performed. This test can detect atrial movement and detect if there are blood clots in the atria. Healthcare providers may also perform laboratory tests to look for other disorders such as an overactive thyroid gland. In addition, the doctor may order X-rays to look at the lungs and heart.

What Are Some Lifestyle Changes Or Home Remedies That Can Be Used To Treat Atrial Flutter?

Here are lifestyle and home remedies that can help you deal with atrial flutter:

• Follow all your doctor's instructions after treatment
• Stop smoking
• Reduce your alcohol intake
• Eat healthy and low-fat foods
• Lose your weight if you are overweight
• Reduce your stress. Stress can make your symptoms worse

If you have any questions, consult a doctor for the best solution for your problem.

Video Credit: Osmosis