How 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.

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What causes frequent atrial flutter?

It’s caused by an abnormal electrical circuit in the upper chambers of the heart (atria) that makes the atria beat quickly and flutter instead of fully squeezing . It can result in fast heart rates and a heart that doesn’t work as well as it should. This increases the risk for stroke and may cause you to feel poorly.

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