The familiar lub-dub rhythm of your heart is very organized. It's controlled by a built-in electrical system. But some things can cause that electrical system to go haywire. And that can cause a condition called atrial flutter.
Atrial FlutterThe familiar lub-dub rhythm of your heart is very organized. It's controlled by a built-in electrical system. But some things can cause that electrical system to go haywire. And that can cause a condition called atrial flutter.CausesYour heart is like 2 pumps that work side-by-side to move blood around your body. The right side of your heart pumps blood to your lungs to receive oxygen. The left side sends the oxygen-filled blood out to your body. Atrial flutter begins in the atria, or the upper chambers of your heart. With atrial flutter, your atria beat more quickly than they should. This usually isn't life-threatening, but it does make it difficult for your heart to pump blood effectively. This can lead to a number of problems.Anyone can get atrial flutter, but you are more likely to get it if you've had other health problems, such as:Uncontrolled high blood pressure Heart attackHeart failure Recent surgery DiabetesLung diseaseThyroid problemsAlcoholismSymptomsYou may not have any symptoms with atrial flutter. If you do have symptoms, they may include:A fast but steady pulseShortness of breathDizzinessLightheadedness or faintingTrouble doing normal activities or exerciseA feeling that your heart is pounding or fluttering, and tightness, pain, or pressure in your chestDiagnosisYour healthcare provider may be able to diagnose atrial flutter by simply checking your pulse. He or she may also recommend an electrocardiogram, or E-C-G. This test records the electrical activity of your heart.TreatmentTreatment for atrial flutter usually starts with lifestyle changes. These include quitting smoking, eating a heart-healthy diet, and getting regular exercise.Atrial flutter can be controlled with medicines. Your healthcare provider may prescribe 2 common types of medicines. These are: Beta-blockers or calcium channel blockers. These work to slow the electrical activity that passes through the AV node, which is the electrical connection between the upper and lower chambers of the heart. And anticoagulants. These help to prevent a blood clot from forming in the heart. Blood clots can break loose and travel to the brain, causing a stroke.Your healthcare provider may also try to restore your heart's normal rhythm by using a procedure called electrical cardioversion. Cardioversion uses a short electrical shock to try to get your heart's rhythm back to normal.If medicines or cardioversion don't work, your healthcare provider may recommend other options. This may include a procedure called cardiac ablation, which can help your heart stay in normal rhythm. Sometimes electronic devices like a pacemaker may be needed to control the rhythm of your heart. Even if atrial flutter doesn't bother you, you still need treatment to avoid problems such as heart failure or stroke. Atrial flutter can also turn into atrial fibrillation over time.When to callOver time, atrial flutter can cause serious problems. Call your healthcare provider if you have:Increased shortness of breath. Swelling in one or both legs. Unexpected weight gain. Chest pain or the sense that your heart is fluttering, or beating fast or hard. Signs of stroke. Signs of stroke include: Weakness of an arm or leg or one side of the face. Difficulty speaking or seeing. Extreme drowsiness, confusion, dizziness, or fainting.Teach your family and friends about the signs of stroke. Have them call your local emergency services or 911 right away if you are having any of these symptoms.Things to rememberAtrial flutter is when you have a fast, but regular heart rhythm. You may not feel any symptoms of atrial flutter. You still need treatment for atrial flutter, even if you don't have symptoms.What we have learnedAtrial flutter can turn into atrial fibrillation over time. True or false? The answer is true. Atrial fibrillation is when your heartbeat is both fast and irregular. Atrial flutter is when your heartbeat is just fast.You are not at risk for stroke if you have atrial flutter. True or false? The answer is false. Like atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter increases your risk for stroke.
Author: Metzger, Geri K
Online Medical Reviewer: Cunningham, Louise, RN
Online Medical Reviewer: Turley, Raymond Kent, BSN, MSN, RN
Date Last Reviewed: 05/01/2020
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