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 moreWhat does a flutter in your chest mean?
A fluttering sensation in your chest is a specific type of heart palpitation that may indicate an atrial flutter . This condition is the result of an arrhythmia that causes tachycardia, which is a fast heartbeat (more than 100 beats a minute).
Read moreWhat is the difference between AFib and a flutter?
In atrial fibrillation, the atria beat irregularly. In atrial flutter, the atria beat regularly, but faster than usual and more often than the ventricles , so you may have four atrial beats to every one ventricular beat.
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.
Read moreWhat are the types of atrial flutter?
There are two types of atrial flutter, the common type I and rarer type II . Most individuals with atrial flutter will manifest only one of these. Rarely someone may manifest both types; however, they can manifest only one type at a time.
Read moreWhat are the types of atrial flutter?
There are two types of atrial flutter, the common type I and rarer type II . Most individuals with atrial flutter will manifest only one of these. Rarely someone may manifest both types; however, they can manifest only one type at a time.
Read more