Atrial Flutter

Atrial flutter is an irregular heart beat typically arising from right upper chamber (right atrium) occasionally the left upper chamber and potentially from a cardiac catheter ablation performed for atrial fibrillation (AFib). Atrial flutter is similar to AFib; however, the electrical impulses are not as chaotic and disorganized. 

Flutters are often grouped into “typical” atrial flutter or “atypical” atrial flutter. Typical atrial flutters show well understood patterns and can be easily recognized by cardiologists and electrophysiologists alike. However, atrial flutter does not always follow a pattern, and this is known as atypical atrial flutter. Atypical flutters require specialized electrophysiological care to ensure a proper diagnosis 

Treatment for Atrial Flutter

While atrial flutter symptoms may not be as obvious or debilitating as atrial fibrillation, flutters can also lead to stroke and significant heart damage over the long-term. Therefore, they should be treated at their earliest presentation.

Treatment options vary from medications to atrial flutter ablation.  Ablation tends to have higher success with often permanent relief from arrhythmia compared to medications. Please talk to your doctor regarding best suitable treatment option for your condition.

Just as with atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter also increases risk for strokes and heart failure and needs aggressive therapy due to more severe symptoms associated with it, i.e. chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, syncope, swelling in legs.