About-Cardio
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We provide our users the most up-to-date and accurate information on the treatment and prevention of cardio pathologies in accordance with current American and European clinical guidelines.
The information provided on this website is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a licensed physician for diagnosis and treatment.
Atrial Flutter: Symptoms and Clinical Picture
Introduction
Atrial flutter is a type of abnormal heart rhythm (arrhythmia) that occurs when the atria (upper chambers of the heart) beat too quickly. This can lead to inefficient blood circulation and an increased risk of complications such as stroke or heart failure.
Symptoms
The signs of atrial flutter can vary based on the patient’s overall health and the presence of other cardiovascular conditions. Common symptoms include:
1. Palpitations
- Sensation of a fast, fluttering, or pounding heartbeat.
2. Shortness of breath (Dyspnea)
- Difficulty breathing, especially during exertion.
3. Chest discomfort
- A feeling of pressure, pain, or tightness in the chest.
4. Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Reduced blood flow to the brain may cause episodes of faintness.
5. Fatigue
- The heart’s inefficiency can lead to a lack of oxygen supply to the muscles, causing tiredness.
6. Syncope (Fainting)
- In severe cases, reduced blood flow can cause complete temporary loss of consciousness.
Possible Complications
- Increased risk of stroke due to blood clots forming in the heart.
- Heart failure due to persistent inefficient pumping.
- Worsening of underlying heart disease.
Conclusion
If you experience any of these symptoms, you should seek medical consultation. Atrial flutter can often be managed effectively with medication, lifestyle modifications, or procedures such as catheter ablation.
Source recommendations
1. 2023 American Heart Association/American College of Cardiology/Heart Rhythm Society Guideline for the Management of Patients With Atrial Fibrillation
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001193
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38033089/
- https://www.hrsonline.org/guidance/clinical-resources/2023-accahaaccphrs-guideline-diagnosis-and-management-patients-atrial-fibrillation
- https://www.acc.org/Latest-in-Cardiology/ten-points-to-remember/2023/11/27/19/46/2023-acc-guideline-for-af-gl-af
- https://professional.heart.org/en/science-news/2023-acc-aha-accp-hrs-guideline-for-the-diagnosis-and-management-of-atrial-fibrillation
2. 2020 European Society of Cardiology Guidelines for the diagnosis and management of atrial fibrillation
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32860505/
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/42/5/373/5899003
- https://www.escardio.org/static-file/Escardio/Guidelines/Documents/ehaa612.pdf
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001193
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Atrial-Fibrillation
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If you or your loved ones experience any of these symptoms, you should consult a doctor in time. Remember that self-medication can be dangerous, and timely diagnosis will preserve the quality and life expectancy.
The heart is an organ that does not know how to "keep silent" if something goes wrong. Chest pain, shortness of breath, swelling, dizziness, and rhythm disturbances are the symptoms that require our attention. The best prevention of heart disease is careful attention to your health, regular checkups with a doctor, and a healthy lifestyle. Take care of your heart, and it will serve you for many years!
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Every 3-5 years, half of the scientific approaches to treatment in the field of cardiology are reviewed as a result of specialized scientific discoveries. With us, you don't have to wait these years to learn about the best ways to treat you and your loved ones.