Atrial flutter is an arrhythmia, or an abnormal heart rhythm, that occurs when the upper chambers of the heart (the atria) beat too quickly and erratically. This rapid and irregular heart rhythm disrupts the normal flow of blood to the lower chambers of the heart (the ventricles).
The main problem with atrial flutter is that it can cause the ventricles to beat too fast, leading to a condition called ventricular tachycardia. This can be dangerous because it can lead to cardiac arrest or a heart attack. Atrial flutter can also lead to blood clots, which can travel to other parts of the body, causing stroke or other serious complications.
Atrial flutter can also cause palpitations, shortness of breath, chest pain, fatigue, and dizziness. The symptoms can range from mild to severe, and can last for minutes or hours.
The main problem with atrial flutter is that it can lead to serious complications if left untreated. Treatment options include medications, electrical cardioversion, or ablation. Medications can be used to slow down the heart rate and restore a normal rhythm. Electrical cardioversion is a procedure where an electric shock is used to reset the heart rhythm. Ablation is a procedure where a catheter is used to destroy the abnormal electrical pathways in the heart that are causing the arrhythmia.
Atrial flutter is a serious condition that can lead to serious complications if left untreated. Therefore, it is important to seek medical attention if you experience any of the symptoms associated with atrial flutter.