What is left atrial flutter?

ECG in atrial flutter. The ECG shows regular flutter waves (F-waves; not to be confused with f-waves seen in atrial fibrillation) which gives the baseline a saw-tooth appearance . Atrial flutter is the only diagnosis causing this baseline appearance, which is why it must be recognized on the ECG.

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.

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.