Overview

What is atrial flutter in adults?

Atrial flutter is a heart condition defined by the heart's rapid contraction of its upper chambers at all times. It is less common than atrial fibrillation, but it can still be a very serious condition. Although normal adults rarely experience atrial flutter, it does happen. People with other diseases, like hypertension or coronary artery disease, are more likely to suffer from it.

Cardiac failure, hyperactive thyroid, sleep apnea, and previous cardiac surgery are some of the conditions included in the list.

What are the types of atrial flutter?

There are two types of atrial flutter, and it is based on which part of the electrical circuit the abnormal flutter wave comes from:

Common Atrial Flutter: About 90 cases are of this type. It originates from the right atrium, where the electrical signal is conducted in an indirect route around the tricuspid valve. The tricuspid valve is positioned between the right gallbladder and the right ventricle.
Atypical Atrial Flutter: This is one of the less common types, occurring either in the right or left atrium. Here, the electrical signal expedition varies from that of the typical atrial flutter. It may sometimes be more difficult to treat than the usual atrial flutter.

What are the symptoms of atrial flutter?

Atrial Flutter can be sneaky! Some patients with atrial flutter do not experience symptoms at all. But for others, it can create some uncomfortable and, indeed, frightful sensations. These are the most common symptoms to watch out for

Shortness of breath
Dizziness
Lethargy
Heart palpitations
Rapid palpitation
Chest pain
Passing out flightiness

What causes atrial flutter?

Doctors sometimes do not know the cause of atrial flutter; at times, there is no identifiable cause. However, atrial flutter can be driven by heart damage caused by certain conditions. Heart conditions that can cause atrial flutter include:

Hypertension
Coronary artery disorder
Heart stopcock diseases
Natural heart blights (these are blights you're born with)
Heart surgery

Other causes of atrial flutter include:

Hyperactive thyroid gland or hyperthyroidism
Overuse of instigations, like cocaine, amphetamines, diet capsules, cold drugs, and indeed caffeine

What is the diagnosis of atrial flutter?

Your doctor will consider atrial flutter (AFL) if your resting heart rate is above 120 beats per minute and your ECG shows signs of atrial flutter. In evaluating AFL, your family history may be significant. A history of complaints of heart, anxiety, and high blood pressure may influence your threat.

Your physician might make an initial assessment for AFL from your ECG. You could be directed to a cardiologist to perform more tests. Several tests are applied to diagnose and confirm AFL. A provider may use tests in the diagnosis of atrial flutter, which include the following:

Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG): This is the most important test to diagnose atrial flutter. A simple test uses adhesive electrodes placed on the chest, arms, and legs to measure the electrical activity of the heart. If there is atrial flutter, a specific pattern may appear on the ECG.
Holter monitor: This is a portable ECG machine, which you would have to wear for 24-72 hours, recording the heart rhythm in your usual daily activity.
Echocardiogram: This ultrasound test captures a film of the structure and function of the heart, which helps in checking the possibility of early heart problems that might cause atrial flutter.
Blood Tests: The blood test can help check electrolyte imbalances, thyroid functions, and other conditions associated with atrial flutter.

How is atrial flutter treated?

Medicines are effective for most people with atrial flutter. Any medication can cause side effects, but benefits typically outweigh the risks. If medicines do not work, your provider may recommend a procedure that may be of assistance.

Medications-

The following are the medications that can treat atrial flutter:

Medications to slow your heart rate: Calcium channel blockers and beta-blockers.
Medications to block the abnormal rhythm: Antiarrhythmic medications.

Procedures-

Procedural Treatments for Atrial Flutter

Cardioversion: The use of electrical shock to restore a normal heart rhythm.
Catheter ablation: A procedure a provider may use to destroy the tissue that is creating abnormal signals.
Temporary change in your pacemaker or ICD setting.

Complications of the treatment

Rarely, you can have complications from an ablation, including:

infection
Bleeding
Damage to a blood vessel.

What should I expect if I have atrial flutter?

If atrial flutter persists, then there will be:

Cardiomyopathy
Heart failure
Stroke

For some patients, the recurrence of atrial flutter is less than a five percent chance after catheter ablation. The anatomy of the atrial flutter makes it not financially rewarding for some patients.

For patients with complex presentations of atypical atrial flutter, success with ablation can be as low as 70. Ablation can be hazardous and may even precipitate stroke. In fact, following successful ablation, 25 80 people will develop atrial fibrillation.

Can I live a long life with atrial flutter?

Yes, treatment of atrial flutter can be curative and control the arrhythmia completely. Untreated, though, you're in danger of a stroke and other life-threatening complications.

How do I take care of myself?

Stay in contact with your doctor and attend every scheduled follow-up. Every time, your probability of a stroke is recalculated based on other health conditions you may have. But if the doctor concludes that you are at risk for a stroke, then you may be required to start blood thinner medication.

Why Tender Palm Super-Speciality Hospital for Atrial Flutter?

Tender Palm Hospital has the most experienced team of Cardiologists, Cardiac Surgeons, and diagnostics with the latest and International standard infection control measures in Lucknow, India. The Cardiac Science Centre team has decades of experience in successfully treating Atrial Flutter.