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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 Rate
Introduction
Atrial flutter is a type of arrhythmia where the atria (the upper chambers of the heart) beat too fast, usually at a rate of 250-350 beats per minute , but not all of these impulses reach the ventricles. This causes an irregular heart rhythm.
How is the Heart Rate Affected?
- Atrial Rate : Typically around 250-350 bpm .
- Ventricular Rate : Usually slower because not all atrial impulses are conducted through the AV node. The ventricular rate is usually 75-150 bpm , depending on AV node conduction (e.g., 2:1, 3:1 block).
- Symptoms : Atrial flutter can cause palpitations, dizziness, fatigue, and even shortness of breath.
Risk Factors and Causes
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Heart failure
- Valvular heart disease
- Chronic lung disease
- Excessive alcohol or stimulant use
- Previous heart surgery
Diagnosis
- Electrocardiogram (ECG) : Shows a saw-tooth pattern typical of atrial flutter.
- Holter Monitor : Helps capture intermittent flutter episodes.
- Echocardiography : Evaluates heart structure and function.
Treatment Options
1. Rate Control
- Beta-blockers (e.g., metoprolol)
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Calcium channel blockers (e.g., diltiazem)
2. Rhythm Control
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Cardioversion (electrical or pharmacological)
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Antiarrhythmic drugs (e.g., amiodarone)
3. Ablation Therapy
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Catheter ablation is often the definitive treatment to destroy abnormal electrical pathways.
4. Anticoagulation
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Necessary if atrial flutter is persistent to reduce stroke risk.
Conclusion
Atrial flutter is a serious but treatable arrhythmia. Proper medical evaluation and treatment are needed to control the heart rate, prevent complications, and improve quality of life.
Source recommendations
1. American Heart Association Guideline on the Management of Patients with Atrial Fibrillation
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001193
- https://professional.heart.org/en/science-news/2023-acc-aha-accp-hrs-guideline-for-the-diagnosis-and-management-of-atrial-fibrillation
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38033089/
- https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/atrial-fibrillation
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24682348/
2. European Society of Cardiology Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Atrial Fibrillation
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Atrial-Fibrillation
- 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://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!
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