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What is atrial flutter?
26 September 2025
Atrial flutter is a heart condition where the atria experience an arrhythmia. This causes them to beat at an excessive but somewhat regular speed, unlike atrial fibrillation, which is a similar condition but with an irregular heart rhythm.
If you have atrial flutter, you may not experience any symptoms. However, it increases the risk of a stroke, blood clots, heart failure, among other complications.
The most common causes of atrial flutter are:
- Coronary artery conditions.
- Thyroid problems.
- Smoking.
- Alcoholism.
- Drug use.
- Viral infections.
- Heart attack.
- Congenital heart defects.
- Dysfunctional heart valves.
- High blood pressure.
- Lung conditions.
- Heart surgical procedures.
- Sleep apnea.
- Obesity.
Signs and symptoms Atrial Flutter
Atrial flutter is a type of cardiac arrhythmia characterized by a feeling of palpitations or a fast and irregular heartbeat.
Other symptoms people often experience are dizziness, shortness of breath, fatigue, or general weakness, especially during physical exertion. In some cases, the flutter may not cause any symptoms at all and is only detected during routine medical exams.
When the heart rate is too fast, the heart doesn’t pump blood efficiently, which can cause a decrease in blood flow to the body. This can result in chest pain, fainting, or a feeling of confusion.
People with pre-existing heart conditions or diseases like heart failure, valvular disease, or high blood pressure are more likely to develop more intense symptoms and complications related to this type of arrhythmia.
Diagnosis Atrial Flutter
Initially, the diagnosis of atrial flutter requires a review of the patient’s medical history and current symptoms.
The doctor may perform a physical exam to detect signs like a rapid or irregular pulse.
If the flutter episodes are not constant, a portable monitor like a 24-hour Holter monitor can be used to record the heart rhythm over a longer period.
Other tests may be requested, such as a lab test to identify underlying conditions, or an echocardiogram to evaluate the heart’s structure.
Treatment Atrial Flutter
The treatment for atrial flutter will vary depending on the duration of the episode, the cause, and the patient’s general condition. One of the most common approaches is to control the heart rate with medication.
If there are problems with the sinus rhythm, it can be restored with either electrical or pharmacological cardioversion.
If the flutter is persistent or recurrent, catheter ablation may be considered. This procedure allows for the elimination of the abnormal heart tissue responsible for the arrhythmia.
Because atrial flutter can increase the risk of forming clots or having a stroke, it’s common for doctors to prescribe anticoagulants to reduce this risk.
Preventing Atrial Flutter
Preventing atrial flutter involves controlling cardiovascular risk factors. This means maintaining healthy blood pressure, managing diseases like diabetes, reducing cholesterol levels, and leading an active life.
Additionally, it’s important to avoid excessive consumption of alcohol, caffeine, or stimulant drugs, as they can contribute to the development of arrhythmias.
At the Arrhythmia Clinic of Centro Médico ABC, we can provide you with specialized care. Contact us!
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Ricardo Ostos
Content CreatorLearn more about Ricardo on LinkedIn
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