Atrial flutter is one of the many types of cardiac arrhythmia characterized by an abnormally fast heart rhythm (tachycardia) and palpitations. Typically, this arrhythmia is a result of extremely rapid and abnormal electrical impulses in the heart atria which is why it is considered a form of supraventricular tachycardia. Half of these impulses are then transmitted to the ventricles resulting in a heart rate of about 150 beats per minute. In addition, atrial flutter is also classified as a type of reentrant arrhythmia since it is characterized by electrical impulses getting trapped in a circuit.

Now that you know the generalities about atrial flutter, let’s move on and dig deeper into this type of cardiac arrhythmia.

Atrial Flutter Symptoms

The fast heart rate produced by atrial flutter commonly leads to the following symptoms:

• Palpitations
• Fatigue
• Dizziness
• Dyspnea (breathlessness)
• Mental status change

As is the case with other reentrant arrhythmias, atrial flutter episodes come and go pretty unexpectedly. Those who also have coronary artery disease may also experience severe chest pain because tachycardia puts stress on the cardiac muscle and causes angina. In addition, atrial flutter can exacerbate symptoms in people with heart failure.

In other words, atrial flutter itself isn’t a life-threatening condition, but it can lead to other complications.Speaking precisely, it can remarkably increase the risk of having a stroke as, like atrial fibrillation, this arrhythmia causes blood clots in the atria which can break loose and cause a stroke. What’s more, atrial flutter tends to develop into chronic atrial fibrillation.

Atrial Flutter Risk Factors

The sad truth is that anyone can develop atrial flutter. However, it isn’t a common type of arrhythmia as is atrial fibrillation. Still, some people are more likely to develop atrial flutter compared to others. That is, atrial flutter risk factors include the following:

• Sleep apnea
• Obesity
• Sick sinus syndrome
• Lung disease
• Hyperthyroidism
• Pericarditis
• History of heart surgery

With that in mind, if any of the above-listed applies to you and you have experienced any of the above-listed symptoms, ensure you consult your doctor and get checked for atrial flutter.

Fortunately, the process of getting a diagnosis is quite simple – it only requires an electrocardiogram (ECG) test to catch the arrhythmia and flutter waves that represent the electrical impulse that is spinning around and around.

Atrial Flutter Treatment Options

Once you get an accurate diagnosis, your doctor will decide on the best treatment for your condition. The main goals would be to control your heart rate and lower the risk of stroke or heart failure, as well as alleviate symptoms. Yet, the treatment will depend on a couple of factors including:

• the cause (if there’s an underlying condition causing the arrhythmia)
• the symptoms and how they affect you
• the risk level of having a stroke

Based on these factors, your doctor will decide on the right treatment options for stopping an acute episode or preventing further episodes.

Stopping an Acute Episode

• electrical cardioversion
• antiarrhythmic drugs (ibutilide or dofetilide)
• calcium blockers (diltiazem or verapamil)
• beta-blocker (esmolol)

Preventing Further Episodes

• treating any reversible underlying cause
• drugs to suppress the arrhythmia
• ablation therapy

The bottom line, atrial flutter is not a common type of cardiac arrhythmia, like atrial fibrillation. And, although it may produce uncomfortable symptoms, the condition itself is not very serious. Yet, getting the right treatment is key to relieving symptoms and reducing the risk of stroke and other complications.