Atrial flutter is an abnormal heart rhythm characterized by rapid and regularly occurring electrical signals in the upper chambers of the heart (atria). These electrical signals cause the atria to contract in a rapid and organized pattern, resulting in a flutter-like motion of the atrial walls. During atrial flutter, the heart rate can range from 150 to 250 beats per minute, much faster than the normal heart rate of 60 to 100 beats per minute.
Atrial flutter can cause palpitations, feeling faint, chest pain, and shortness of breath. It can lead to complications such as stroke or congestive heart failure due to inefficient blood flow. Atrial flutter is usually treated with medications, such as beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, or antiarrhythmics. Electrical cardioversion, a procedure where electrical shocks are used to reset the heart’s rhythm, may also be used to treat atrial flutter. In some cases, surgical ablation may be used to destroy the tissue that is causing the irregular heart rhythm.
Atrial flutter is often associated with other heart conditions, such as coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, and valve disease. It is also more common in people with diabetes or those with a history of alcohol or drug abuse. People with atrial flutter are at an increased risk for having a stroke. As such, it is important to recognize and treat this condition promptly to minimize the potential for long-term complications.