Refer to local protocols for emergency medical services (EMS) management. Atrial flutter in an unstable patient should be treated immediately with synchronized cardioversion . Unstable patients are those with ongoing chest pain, severe shortness of breath, altered level of consciousness, or hypotension.
Read moreDoes atrial flutter require anticoagulation?
Most patients with atrial flutter should be considered for chronic anticoagulation in a manner similar to those with atrial fibrillation (AF). This recommendation is based not only on the fact atrial flutter carries a risk for systemic embolization but also that these patients usually have episodes of AF.
Read moreHow do paramedics treat flutters?
Initial treatment of atrial flutter targets the rate control (which is frequently ~150 BPM). Drugs of choice include beta blockers such as esmolol (0.5 mg/kg IV bolus followed by 50-300 ucg/kg/min) and propranolol, or calcium channel blockers such as verapamil (5-10 mg IV) or diltiazem.
Read moreCan medication stop atrial flutter?
Type I and Type III antiarrhythmic drugs are often used to terminate or prevent recurrent episodes and Type II (beta-blockers) and Type IV (calcium channel blockers) can be used to control the ventricular rate during atrial flutter.
Read moreWhat arrhythmias is amiodarone used for?
Amiodarone is used to treat life-threatening heart rhythm problems called ventricular arrhythmias . This medicine is used in patients who have already been treated with other medicines that did not work well.
Read moreDoes patients with atrial flutter need anticoagulation?
Most patients with atrial flutter should be considered for chronic anticoagulation in a manner similar to those with atrial fibrillation (AF). This recommendation is based not only on the fact atrial flutter carries a risk for systemic embolization but also that these patients usually have episodes of AF.
Read moreHow do you treat atrial flutter ACLS?
When atrial flutter produces hemodynamic instability and serious signs and symptoms, it is treated using ACLS protocol. For the patient with unstable tachycardia due to this tachyarrhythmia (atrial flutter), immediate cardioversion is recommended . Drugs are not used to manage unstable tachycardia.
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