Atrial Flutter

Atrial flutter, a common atrial tachycardia, is determined by its saw tooth like waves in the cardiac monitor or rhythm strip and the heart rate ranges from 250 to 350 beats per minute. This abnormal rhythm is considered a serious and immediate treatment is needed.(5)


This arrhythmia results from a rapid electrical conduction typically originating in the right atrium. It can be caused by scarring in the heart due to prior cardiac disease or heart surgery. It can also happen in some patients with no other identifiable heart problems. During this cardiac arrhythmia, electrical activity begins in a large circuit instead in the SA node. This causes the atria to beat very fast. The atria's rapid beating can in turn cause the ventricles to beat fast.(1)



Atrial Flutter
Atrial-Flutter(2)


According to the American Hear association, A flutter is more likely to occur in people who have some form of heart disease or medical condition such as congestive heart failure, rheumatic valve disease, congenital heart disease, lung disease such as emphysema, or high blood pressure. They add that prior cardiac surgery may increase the risk of this arrhythmia because of scarring of the atrium and the risk also increases with age.(1)



This abnormal heart rhythm may include:
  • A rapid, usually regular pulse (3,4)
  • Low blood pressure if the rapid heart beat decreases the pumping action of the heart(3)
  • Palpitations, which can be skipping, fluttering pounding in the chest (3,4)
  • shortness of breath (3,4)
  • Dizziness, or lightheadedness (3,4)
  • Chest pressure or pain (3,4)

    Treatment
    The goals of medical treatment are to control the ventricular rate while attempting to restore sinus rhythm and prevent recurrent episodes. If the patient has low blood pressure, has ischemic pain or is in severe congestive heart failure, synchronized cardioversion is the treatment of choice. If the patient is only mildly symptomatic, pharmocologic therapy can be tried first but many experts recommend that cardioversion always be the initial therapy.(5)



    Heart Attacks are the number one killer in America. Make it your goal in life to prevent a heart attack in the future. Start paying attention to your daily habits such as diet, exercise, stress, smoking, alcohol, and drugs. Practicing good habits on an ongoing basis will help you lead a future healthy life.

    1. American Heart Association, “Atrial flutter.” Available at http://circ.ahajournals.org/cgi/content/full/112/22/e334. Accessed December 7, 2008

    2. Tripod, “EKG rhythms.“ Available at http://kcsun3.tripod.com/id190.htm. Accessed December 7, 2008

    3. Health-cares.net, “what are the signs and symptoms of atrial flutter?” Available at http://heart-disease.health-cares.net/atrial-flutter-symptoms.php. Accessed December 8, 2008

    4. Mayo clinic, “Abnormal heart rhythm, atrial flutter.” Available at http://www.ucsfhealth.org/childrens/medical_services/heart_center/arrhythmia/conditions/flutter/signs.html. Accessed December 7, 2008

    5. American Heart Association, "Atrial flutter and treatment." Available at http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=52. Accessed December 7, 2008



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