This is an abnormal heart rhythm where the atria (the upper chambers) of the heart are beating rapidly.
Atrial flutter is a condition in which a rhythm develops from a circuit in the right atrium. The rhythm is often fast so the atria (chambers at the top of the heart) beat very quickly. In atrial fibrillation, the heart has an irregular rhythm, but the upper chambers of the heart in atrial flutter usually beat in a speedy and consistent manner.
A small piece of conduction tissue called the atrioventricular node (AVN) sits between the atria (top chambers) and ventricles (bottom chambers) and limits the number of beats getting from the atria to ventricles. However, even when 1 in every 2, 3 or 4 atrial beats are allowed through to the ventricles, this can cause symptoms. However, many people don’t have symptoms. An important aspect of atrial flutter is that it increases the risk of stroke.
In atrial flutter, it is common for the heart rate to be fast. This often causes palpitations and sometimes dizziness or shortness of breath. Sometimes the heart rate can be slow and can cause dizziness and collapses.
In many cases, atrial flutter can be asymptomatic but is still important to detect. This is important because atrial flutter increases the risk of stroke and often requires treatment with blood-thinning drugs.
An electrocardiogram (ECG) will show atrial flutter if you happen to be in this rhythm at the time of the test.
In some cases, the atrial flutter can come and go (this is know as paroxysmal atrial flutter) and to reach a diagnosis a more prolonged period of monitoring may be required such as a 24-hour ECG or an event monitor. Sometimes atrial flutter can be detected on small devices that can be purchased to record the heart rhythm, or on watches which monitor the heart rhythm.
An echocardiogram is useful to look for problems with the shape and function of the heart. Sometimes atrial flutter can be the only problem, but sometimes it can occur in the setting of problems with the valves or function of the heart. It is important to detect these.
You may also need some blood tests to look for the cause of atrial flutter including anaemia and problems with thyroid function.
There are drugs capable of controlling the heart rate, which is often fast in atrial flutter. However, atrial flutter is often difficult to control with medications. An alternative option is a controlled electric shock under anaesthetic (cardioversion). However, atrial flutter may recur, and the most effective treatment is radiofrequency catheter ablation. This is a keyhole procedure performed from the top of the leg that often cures atrial flutter with minimal risk.
Atrial flutter is a common but potentially curable condition and needs assessment by expert Consultant Cardiologists who can discuss your personalized options in detail. Our expert Consultant Cardiologists are available for consultation on any day of the week and weekends as well.
MAKE AN APPOINTMENT
020 31372439