ALERT: Learn more about our Visitor Policy and COVID-19 Resources.

by Badash M

Definition

Atrial flutter is a fast abnormal beating of the heart. It happens in the upper part of the heart called the atria. These fast beats make it hard for the heart to push blood to the body.

Atrial flutter may be sudden event or comes and go over a long time. It is not often life-threatening when treated. It can increase the risk of blood clots and a stroke.

Anatomy of the Heart
IMAGE
Copyright © 2002 Nucleus Communications, Inc. All rights reserved.

Causes

Electrical signals control how fast the heart beats. The signals also make sure it beats in a regular rhythm. Flutter happens when these signals fire when they shouldn't or they are blocked. It may happen because of:

  • Stimulation from drugs, medical treatment, or caffeine
  • Changes to heart muscle caused by other health issues like lung disease

Risk Factors

Factors that may increase the chances of atrial flutter:

Atrial flutter is more common in older adults.

Symptoms

Atrial flutter may not be felt. For some, it may cause:

  • A fluttering or tremor-like feeling in the chest
  • Rapid heart beat or pounding sensation in the chest—palpitations
  • Pressure or discomfort in the chest
  • Shortness of breath
  • Anxiety
  • Lightheadedness or fainting

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about symptoms and past health. A physical exam will be done. A heart rhythm issue may be suspected. Tests will be run to check the activity of the heart. Tests may include:

Treatment

The goal of treatment is to return to normal rhythm. It may be needed to restore immediate rhythm. Other steps may prevent the flutter from happening again. Treatment options include:

Medications

Medicine can help to slow the heart rate. It may also change the flutter to a normal rhythm. Medicine may include:

  • Beta-blockers
  • Adenosine
  • Nonhydropyridine calcium channel antagonists

Antiarrhythmic medicine may be needed long term to keep a normal rhythm.

Cardioversion

Atrial flutter may need to be corrected with this procedure. A pad is placed on the chest. It delivers a shock to the heart to get it back to a normal rhythm.

Ablation Therapy

The flutter may be caused by an area of abnormal tissue. Ablation is a procedure to destroy the abnormal tissue. This may allow electrical signals to flow smoother through the heart. It may prevent future flutter.

Blood Thinners

Atrial flutter may not be completely cured. It may come and go over time. Flutter can cause some pooling of blood in the upper heart. Blood clots can form in the pool. Clots that travel out of the heart can travel to the brain and cause a stroke. Blood thinners medicine may be given to reduce the risk of a blood clots.

Prevention

To reduce the risk of some atrial flutter:

  • Avoid or limit caffeine, stimulants, alcohol, and nicotine.
  • Follow care plan for other heart or lung problems.
  • Reduce levels of stress and anxiety

RESOURCES

American Heart Association  http://www.heart.org 

Heart Rhythm Society  http://www.hrsonline.org 

CANADIAN RESOURCES

Canadian Heart Rhythm Society  http://www.chrsonline.ca 

Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada  http://www.heartandstroke.ca 

References

Atrial flutter. EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at:  http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T115251/Atrial-flutter  . Updated October 14, 2019. Accessed October 30, 2019.

Atrial flutter. Heart Rhythm Society website. Available at http://www.hrsonline.org/Patient-Resources/Heart-Diseases-Disorders/Atrial-Flutter#axzz3MHkY4esv. Accessed October 30, 2019.

Other heart rhythm disorders. American Heart Association website. Available at: http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/Arrhythmia/AboutArrhythmia/Other-Rhythm-Disorders%5FUCM%5F302045%5FArticle.jsp#.Wh2p2VWnFxA. Accessed October 30, 2019.

Revision Information