About-Cardio
-
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
Introduction
Atrial flutter is a type of abnormal heart rhythm (arrhythmia) that originates in the atria (upper chambers of the heart). It is characterized by a rapid but organized electrical activity that results in a fast heart rate. Atrial flutter is closely related to atrial fibrillation, another common arrhythmia, but has a distinct pattern.
Causes and Risk Factors
Atrial flutter can occur due to various underlying conditions, including:
- Heart disease: Coronary artery disease, heart failure, cardiomyopathy.
- Hypertension: High blood pressure increases the strain on the heart.
- Valve disorders: Conditions affecting the heart valves, such as mitral stenosis or regurgitation.
- Previous heart surgery: Especially after procedures like valve replacement or bypass surgery.
- Lung diseases: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pulmonary embolism.
- Hyperthyroidism: Overactive thyroid can trigger arrhythmias.
- Excessive alcohol or stimulant use: Alcohol binge drinking ("holiday heart syndrome") and stimulants like caffeine or nicotine.
Symptoms
Patients with atrial flutter may experience:
- Rapid heart rate (palpitations)
- Fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Chest discomfort
Some patients may have no symptoms, and atrial flutter may be diagnosed incidentally.
Diagnosis
Atrial flutter is diagnosed using:
- Electrocardiogram (ECG): Shows a “sawtooth” pattern of electrical activity.
- Holter monitoring: Records heart activity over 24-48 hours to detect intermittent episodes.
- Echocardiogram: Assesses heart structure and function.
- Blood tests: To check for thyroid abnormalities or electrolyte imbalances.
Treatment
Treatment of atrial flutter focuses on rate control, rhythm control, and stroke prevention:
1. Rate Control
- Beta-blockers (e.g., metoprolol, atenolol)
- Calcium channel blockers (e.g., diltiazem, verapamil)
2. Rhythm Control
- Electrical cardioversion: A controlled electric shock to restore normal rhythm.
- Antiarrhythmic medications: Such as amiodarone, sotalol, or flecainide.
- Catheter ablation: A procedure to destroy the abnormal electrical circuit causing atrial flutter, often providing a long-term cure.
3. Stroke Prevention
- Anticoagulants: Blood thinners such as warfarin or direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) like apixaban or rivaroxaban to reduce the risk of stroke.
Conclusion
Atrial flutter is a treatable heart rhythm disorder, but it requires proper medical management to prevent complications such as stroke and heart failure. Early diagnosis and treatment improve outcomes and quality of life.
Source recommendations
1. 2023 AHA/ACC/ACCP/HRS Guideline for the Diagnosis and Management of 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://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0735109723078531
2. 2020 ESC Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Atrial Fibrillation
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/42/5/373/5899003
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32860505/
- https://www.escardio.org/static-file/Escardio/Guidelines/Documents/ehaa612.pdf
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001193
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8432123/
-
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!
Our advantages:
Best practices from USA, EU and Japan
Our answers to your questions are based on the clinical recommendations of countries with the most developed healthcare systems in the field of cardiology in the USA, the EU and Japan.
Always up-to-date information
On a daily basis, we monitor for you all new scientific research publications in leading scientific journals on medical issues of interest to you.
We monitor all innovations and changes in the field of cardiac disease treatment on a daily basis.
We monitor all innovations and changes in the field of cardiac disease treatment on a daily basis.
Get second opinion
Here you can learn everything that even your doctor may not know about cardiology (if he does not speak English and he does not read 117 leading medical journals on cardiology every month).
The most comprehensive and up-to-date collection of free cardiology materials
Our website contains the most comprehensive and up-to-date collection of free cardiology materials in your country.
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.
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.