Atrial flutter is a condition where the atria of the heart rapidly and regularly beat due to an anomaly in the heart’s electrical system that usually results in a tachycardia. It produces feelings like near-fainting, rapid heartbeats (palpitations), mild shortness of breath, and fatigue .
Read moreWhat is the effect 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 long can you have atrial flutter?
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 moreIs atrial flutter a serious heart condition?
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 moreIs arrhythmia considered heart disease?
An arrhythmia is a disorder that affects the normal heart rate . With an arrhythmia, the heart tends to beat too slow (bradycardia), too fast (tachycardia), or irregularly. These disorders can affect the amount of blood pumped by the heart.
Read moreIs atrial fibrillation a type of heart disease?
Atrial fibrillation, often called AFib or AF, is the most common type of treated heart arrhythmia . An arrhythmia is when the heart beats too slowly, too fast, or in an irregular way.
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.
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