Atrial flutter is a type of abnormal heart rhythm, or arrhythmia, that affects the top chambers (atria) of the heart. It is characterized by a very fast but regular heartbeat that typically ranges from 240 to 340 beats per minute (bpm). A typical atrial flutter rate is around 300 bpm.
Atrial flutter is usually caused by a single extra electrical pathway in the heart. This pathway creates an electrical loop that causes the atria to beat very rapidly. As a result, the blood does not fully empty from the atria before the next beat, which can lead to pooling of blood and increased risk of a clot forming in the atria. This can lead to stroke or other complications if a clot travels to the brain.
Atrial flutter can be managed through a variety of treatments, including medications, ablation, and pacemakers. Medications can be used to slow the heart rate and restore normal rhythm. Ablation is a procedure that uses heat or cold to create scar tissue that blocks the extra electrical pathways in the heart. Pacemakers can be used to regulate the heart rate and restore normal rhythm.
In summary, atrial flutter is an abnormal heart rhythm characterized by a fast but regular heartbeat of around 300 bpm. It is caused by an extra electrical pathway in the heart and can be managed through a variety of treatments.