Atrial Flutter – Symptoms and Causes
Overview
Atrial flutter is a heart rhythm disorder. It causes the heart to beat in a more regular pattern than atrial fibrillation, though a person can have both conditions. Some people may have this arrhythmia without noticeable symptoms.
Others might experience rapid, pounding heartbeats, chest discomfort, or dizziness.
When treatment is needed, doctors typically use medications or heart procedures to manage the condition. The goal is to control the heart rate and restore normal rhythm.
Since atrial flutter affects the upper chambers of the heart, it can impact how efficiently blood moves through the cardiovascular system.
Signs and Symptoms
People with atrial flutter might not notice any symptoms. Doctors sometimes find this irregular heart rhythm during a regular checkup for something else.
If symptoms do appear, they can include:
- Feeling like your heart is racing or pounding
- Pain in the chest
- Dizziness or fainting spells
- Trouble breathing
- Extreme tiredness
When Medical Help Is Needed
If you feel your heart beating oddly, racing, or skipping beats, schedule a doctor’s appointment. Your primary care doctor might refer you to a heart specialist (cardiologist).
Seek emergency care right away if you experience:
- Chest pain
- Difficulty breathing
- Fainting
Don’t wait if these symptoms occur. Call 911 or local emergency services immediately if you think you might be having a heart attack. Quick treatment can save heart muscle and may save your life.
Causes
Atrial flutter happens when the heart’s electrical system changes. This system works like the heart’s natural pacemaker, controlling when it beats.
Several factors can disrupt this electrical system:
- Previous heart surgery
- Existing heart conditions
- Other health problems affecting the heart
In a healthy heart, electrical signals travel smoothly, creating a regular heartbeat of 60-100 beats per minute at rest. But with atrial flutter, these signals become abnormal in the upper chambers (atria).
This electrical disruption makes the atria beat too fast, though usually in an organized pattern. As a result, the heart works inefficiently, affecting how blood moves through the body.
Risk Factors
Several health conditions can raise your chance of getting atrial flutter:
- Heart failure
- COPD (Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)
- Pulmonary embolism (blood clot in the lungs)
- Congenital heart defects (heart problems present at birth)
Age is also an important factor – older people face higher risks. Additionally, people who have recently had heart surgery may develop atrial flutter during their recovery period.
Complications
Atrial flutter may lead to atrial fibrillation in about 50% of patients within three years. This condition raises the chance of developing blood clots and having strokes.
Several other serious complications can occur with atrial flutter:
- Heart failure
- Stroke
- Heart attack
Prevention
Lifestyle changes are key to heart health. Try these effective tips:
- Avoid tobacco products completely.
- Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Also, reduce salt and saturated fat intake.
- Exercise regularly for at least 30 minutes most days of the week.
- Maintain a healthy weight through proper diet and activity.
- Limit caffeine and alcohol consumption or avoid them entirely.
- Manage stress through relaxation techniques and healthy coping methods.
- Control health conditions like high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol, and diabetes.
- Prioritize sleep by aiming for 7-9 hours nightly for adults.
These changes can significantly reduce your risk of heart problems.
