Aflutter definition (Atrial Flutter): Causes, symptoms, diagnosis & more

Aflutter definition

 

The Atrial flutter is one of the types of heart rhythm disturbance ( arrhythmia) that is caused by problems/short circuits with the electrical system of your heart.

When you experience atrial flutter, the heart’s upper chambers (atria) are beating too fast. The heart is able to beat at a rapid but generally regular rhythm.

Aflutter is akin to atrial fibrillation. It’s a condition that causes heartbeats to be in irregular rhythms. Patients with atrial flutter experience a heartbeat that’s more structured more streamlined and steady than the one of atrial fibrillation. At times, you might experience instances of both atrial flutters as well as atrial fibrillation.

What are the various types of atrial flutter?

Atrial flutter can be classified as either typical or atypical (non-typical) in accordance with the position that the heart’s short circuit the path which allows for the electric signal to travel too fast through the heart. Although the symptoms are similar, however, the treatment options may be different.

• A typical atrial flutter is located in the left atrium. This kind of atrial flutter may be treated with a quick outpatient catheter ablation.
• An unusual atrial flutter is a term used to describe atrial flutter that occurs within the left atrium. Atypical atrial flutter can be treated by catheter ablation however the procedure can be longer and more complex.

What are the signs of atrial Flutter?

Atrial flutter could produce no symptoms it could cause one or more of the following symptoms:¶

• Stroke
• The sensation of palpitations (a feeling of chest fluttering)
• The feeling of fainting or dizziness can be a cause.
• Breathing shortness, chest pain
• Fatigue

What is the cause of atrial Flutter?

Atrial flutter can be described as an age-related arrhythmia since it seldom occurs prior to it reaching 50, however, thereafter it becomes more prevalent. Other causes are:

• Prior to cardiac surgery
• Prior catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation

What are the consequences of atrial Flutter?

• Blood that is left to accumulate inside the upper chambers of the body after an inefficient heartbeat can increase the likelihood of forming clots. In the event that a blood clot moves through the heart and into the bloodstream, it can get stuck in an artery, causing a stroke.
• In the event that the heart beats rapidly over a long time period, it could lead to cardiomyopathy which is a weakness that affects the cardiac muscle.

How can atrial flutter be diagnosed?

Atrial flutter can be detected by your doctor with an electrocardiogram(ECG or EKG). Typical EKG, you see saw tooth appearance. If the diagnosis is uncertain, your doctor might suggest the use of a Holter Monitor or the event-monitoring device and/or an electrophysiological test that involves a thin tubular, flexible catheter is passed through the vein that leads to your heart, under sedation that is light. The fine wires in the catheter may help to pinpoint the signal that is abnormal.

How can atrial flutter be treated?

At times, atrial flutter can go completely by itself, and no further intervention is required. If it continues to bother you the doctor can recommend one of the following options:

• Treatment of any of the underlying conditions
• Ablation of the catheter (also known as ablation of the catheter) method to remove the offending electrical pathways, performed in conjunction with an electrophysiological investigation
• Cardioversion is a small subdued shock to the chest that is administered under anesthesia for temporary correction to the heart rhythm.
• Medicines to regulate the heart rate known as antiarrhythmics are less effective than catheter ablation
• Preventing blood clots with blood thinners

Additional details

Always consult your physician to make sure the information presented on this site is appropriate to your particular situation.