Atrial flutter, also known as atrial tachycardia, is a type of abnormal heartbeat or arrhythmia that occurs when the upper chambers of the heart (the atria) beat too quickly. This faster-than-normal heartbeat usually ranges from 250 to 350 beats per minute (bpm). Atrial flutter is usually caused by an electrical circuit in the atria that causes the atria to beat quickly and in a coordinated pattern.
Atrial flutter can cause many symptoms such as palpitations, chest pain, lightheadedness, shortness of breath, fatigue, and dizziness. It can also lead to stroke, heart failure, and other serious complications. To prevent these serious complications, it is important to seek medical attention if one experiences any of the above symptoms.
Treatment for atrial flutter typically includes medications that reduce the heart rate and restore a normal rhythm, or an electrical procedure called ablation that can permanently destroy the abnormal electrical circuit causing the arrhythmia. In some cases, surgery may be needed to repair an underlying heart problem that is causing the arrhythmia.
Atrial flutter is a serious condition that can cause serious complications, so if you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible.