Atrial flutter is a type of heart rhythm disorder (arrhythmia) that occurs when an electrical circuit between the atria of the heart causes the atria to beat too quickly. While atrial flutter can be a serious condition, it is often treatable and, in some cases, can even disappear on its own.
What Is Atrial Flutter?
Atrial flutter is an unusually fast heart rhythm originating in the atria of the heart. It can cause the heart to beat too quickly, leading to palpitations, chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, and fatigue. In some cases, atrial flutter can lead to more serious complications, including heart failure, stroke, and even death.
Can Atrial Flutter Disappear?
Atrial flutter is typically treated with medications or a procedure called ablation. However, in some cases, atrial flutter can disappear on its own, without any treatment. This is known as “spontaneous resolution” and is more likely to occur in patients with a form of atrial flutter called “type 1”.
Risk Factors for Atrial Flutter
Atrial flutter is more common in people over the age of 60, and those with heart disease, high blood pressure, or an overactive thyroid. People who have recently had heart surgery or an infection in the heart are also at increased risk of developing atrial flutter.
Preventing Atrial Flutter
The best way to prevent atrial flutter is to maintain a healthy lifestyle. This includes eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption. It is also important to control any existing health conditions, such as high blood pressure and diabetes. If you have any of these risk factors for atrial flutter, it is important to talk to your doctor about ways to reduce your risk.