paroxysmal atrial fibrillation – episodes come and go, and usually stop within 48 hours without any treatment. persistent atrial fibrillation – each episode lasts for longer than 7 days (or less when it’s treated)
Read moreWhen should I be concerned about atrial flutter?
Although atrial flutter is usually not life-threatening at first, it does limit how well your heart pumps blood . This can cause a clot to form in your heart. If the clot breaks loose, it could lead to a stroke. Over time, atrial flutter can weaken your heart muscle.
Read moreWhat can trigger atrial flutter?
You are more likely to have atrial flutter if any of these apply to you:
Read moreCan stress bring on atrial flutter?
While stress does not directly cause atrial fibrillation, it can have an effect on a patient’s episodes . The most common risk factors for AFib are high blood pressure, diabetes, age, or a family history of AFib. Stress can have a great effect on a patient’s condition and lead to increased AFib episodes.
Read moreDoes atrial flutter need treatment?
Sometimes, atrial flutter goes away by itself and no further action is needed . If it persists, your doctor may pursue any of the following treatments: Treatment of any underlying conditions. Catheter ablation — procedure to destroy the errant electrical pathways; performed together with an electrophysiological study.
Read moreWhat is the major cause of atrial flutter?
Atrial flutter is a type of abnormal heart rhythm, or arrhythmia. It occurs when a short circuit in the heart causes the upper chambers (atria) to pump very rapidly . Atrial flutter is important not only because of its symptoms but because it can cause a stroke that may result in permanent disability or death.
Read moreHow is atrial flutter diagnosed on ECG?
Atrial flutter is diagnosed by you medical history, history of symptoms, and a physical exam. Electrocardiography (ECG or EKG) frequently makes the diagnosis by showing saw tooth flutter waves in several (II, III, aVF and/or V1) of the 12 ECG leads recorded , indicating atrial tachycardia of about 250 – 350 bpm.
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