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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.
Medical Term for Heart Flutter
Introduction
The term heart flutter generally refers to an abnormal heart rhythm, also known as arrhythmia. A specific type of arrhythmia associated with rapid, irregular heartbeats is called atrial flutter.
What Is Atrial Flutter?
Atrial flutter is a condition where the heart's upper chambers (atria) beat too quickly, leading to an irregular and often fast heartbeat. It is caused by abnormal electrical circuits in the atria.
Symptoms of Atrial Flutter:
- Palpitations (feeling of a racing heart)
- Shortness of breath
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Fatigue
- Chest discomfort
Causes and Risk Factors:
Atrial flutter may occur due to: - High blood pressure - Heart disease (e.g., coronary artery disease, heart failure) - Previous heart surgery - Thyroid disorders - Chronic lung disease - Excessive alcohol or caffeine consumption
Diagnosis and Treatment
Doctors diagnose atrial flutter using: - Electrocardiogram (ECG) – records the heart’s electrical activity. - Holter monitor – records heart activity over 24-48 hours. - Echocardiogram – uses ultrasound to assess heart structure and function.
Treatment Options:
- Medications – Beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, or antiarrhythmic medications.
- Catheter ablation – A minimally invasive procedure to destroy abnormal heart tissue causing atrial flutter.
- Cardioversion – A controlled electrical shock to restore normal heart rhythm.
Conclusion
Atrial flutter is a manageable condition with proper diagnosis and treatment. If you experience symptoms of heart flutter, seeking medical advice is important to avoid complications like stroke or heart failure.
Source recommendations
1. American Heart Association Guidelines on Atrial Arrhythmias
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001193
- https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/arrhythmia
- https://professional.heart.org/en/science-news/2023-acc-aha-accp-hrs-guideline-for-the-diagnosis-and-management-of-atrial-fibrillation
- https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/atrial-fibrillation
- https://newsroom.heart.org/news/sweetened-drinks-linked-to-atrial-fibrillation-risk
2. European Society of Cardiology Guidelines on Atrial Fibrillation and Flutter
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Atrial-Fibrillation
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/42/5/373/5899003
- https://www.escardio.org/Journals/E-Journal-of-Cardiology-Practice/Volume-6/Atrial-flutter-RF-differential-diagnosis-management-strategies-Title-Atria
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/41/5/655/5556821
- https://www.escardio.org/static-file/Escardio/Guidelines/Documents/ehaa612.pdf
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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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