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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.
Understanding Atrial Flutter and Heart Rate
Introduction
Atrial flutter is a type of abnormal heart rhythm (arrhythmia) that originates in the atria (the upper chambers of the heart). It is caused by a reentrant electrical loop that leads to a rapid and regular heartbeat.
Heart Rate in Atrial Flutter
- The atria in atrial flutter typically contract at a rate of 250–350 beats per minute (bpm) .
- However, the heart's natural filtering system (the atrioventricular node) does not allow all impulses to reach the ventricles.
- As a result, a common ventricular response rate is 150 bpm (2:1 conduction), but it can be 75 bpm (4:1 conduction) or other variations .
Symptoms of Atrial Flutter
- Palpitations (fast, pounding heartbeats)
- Shortness of breath
- Dizziness or fainting
- Fatigue
Risk Factors and Possible Comorbidities
Atrial flutter often occurs in people with: - Hypertension (high blood pressure) - Coronary artery disease - Heart failure - Chronic lung disease - Diabetes - Hyperthyroidism
Treatment Options
1. Rate Control
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Beta-blockers or calcium channel blockers can help slow the ventricular rate.
2. Rhythm Control
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Medications (antiarrhythmics such as amiodarone, flecainide)
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Electrical cardioversion (delivering a shock to restore normal rhythm)
3. Ablation Therapy
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The most effective long-term treatment is catheter ablation, which targets the abnormal circuit causing atrial flutter.
4. Anticoagulation (Blood Thinners)
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To reduce stroke risk, especially in patients with additional risk factors.
When to See a Doctor?
If you experience persistent palpitations, dizziness, or shortness of breath, consult a healthcare provider immediately.
Source recommendations
1. American Heart Association Guidelines on Atrial Fibrillation and Flutter
- https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/atrial-fibrillation/what-is-atrial-fibrillation-afib-or-af/atrial-flutter
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001193
- https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/atrial-fibrillation
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38033089/
- https://professional.heart.org/en/science-news/2023-acc-aha-accp-hrs-guideline-for-the-diagnosis-and-management-of-atrial-fibrillation
2. European Society of Cardiology Guidelines for the Management of Atrial Fibrillation
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Atrial-Fibrillation
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/45/36/3314/7738779
- https://www.escardio.org/static-file/Escardio/Guidelines/Documents/ehaa612.pdf
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/42/5/373/5899003
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32860505/
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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!
Our advantages:
We monitor all innovations and changes in the field of cardiac disease treatment on a daily basis.
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.