Atrial flutter is a kind of arrhythmia or abnormal heart rhythm. It occurs when the upper chambers of the heart beat too fast, resulting in the bottom chambers subsequently beating faster than usual. Moreover, atrial flutter hinders the heart’s ability to pump blood across the body. So, if one does not receive adequate and on-time treatment, atrial flutter can damage the heart muscle and increase their susceptibility to blood clots or strokes.
Atrial flutter is like the more prevalent disorder atrial fibrillation, except that the heart rhythm is regular in atrial flutter, whereas it is irregular in atrial fibrillation.
Types
- Most common or typical type – In the right atrium, the abnormal electrical signals move counterclockwise.
- Reverse typical – In the right atrium, the abnormal electrical signals move in a clockwise circle.
- Uncommon or atypical type – This may happen in one’s right or left atrium.
Based on one’s electrocardiogram results, their healthcare provider can assess which type of atrial flutter they have.
Symptoms
The atrial flutter symptoms are typically wide-ranging and may last weeks, days, or hours. People with atrial flutter may experience one or more conditions given below:
- A pulse that is typically rapid and consistent in speed
- Difficulty breathing or experiencing breathlessness
- Feeling lightheaded or on the verge of fainting
- The sensation of pressure or constriction in the chest
- Dizziness
- Irregular or noticeable sensations of the heart beating
- Feeling exhausted to the point where everyday tasks become challenging
Typically, these signs are similar to other heart disorders and may be linked to conditions unrelated to the heart. Thus, experiencing one or more of these symptoms does not necessarily mean one has atrial flutter. Some people with the disease may experience no signs. Given this complexity, one must consult a doctor if they have any concerns.
Causes
Atrial flutter occurs when the electrical signals become excessively frequent, leading to excessive contraction (pumping) of the upper chambers of the heart. Some common causes are:
- Overactive thyroid
- Heart valve disorders
- Coronary artery disease
- High blood pressure
- Heart conditions present at birth
Risk factors
The risk for developing atrial flutter is higher among men, people who are older, or have:
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Heart issues, such as valve issues or heart failure
- Thyroid issues
- High blood pressure
- Obstructive sleep apnea
- Lung disease
Diagnosis
Doctors may raise doubt about atrial flutter if one’s heartbeat at rest goes over 120 bpm and the ECG reflects atrial flutter symptoms. Further, the doctor will also ask about one’s family history for the diagnosis. A history of anxiety, heart disease, and high BP can amplify atrial flutter risk. An ECG can help with preliminary diagnosis, but one must see a cardiologist for further testing. Some tests one may have to undergo to confirm atrial flutter are:
- Electrocardiograms – They record the heart’s electrical pattern.
- Echocardiograms – They employ ultrasound to produce images of the heart and measure the blood flow through the blood vessels and the heart to assess if the heart shows any signs of atrial dilation or getting weak from beating fast.
- Electrophysiology (EP) study – This is an invasive method to record heart rhythm.
- Holter monitor – This helps to study the heart’s rhythm for at least a day.
