Atrial Flutter
Atrial flutter FAQs
View our short videos designed specifically to answer all your questions about Atrial Flutter
What happens during atrial flutter?
Atrial flutter (AFL) is an abnormal, fast heart rhythm (tachycardia). It originates from the top right chamber of the heart (right atrium). The atria are beating too fast and out of sync with the lower chambers (ventricles), which also beats faster.
This rhythm can be present all the time, or it can be intermittent. The electrical system of the heart is responsible for making the heart beat. Electrical impulses usually travel along a pathway in the heart and ensure that the atria and ventricles work together to pump blood.
In atrial flutter, the electrical signal loops around the atrium in a circular motion causing the atria to beat much faster than the ventricles. Watch our video to learn more: What is atrial flutter?
Atrial flutter vs fibrillation
During atrial flutter, the atria beat regularly but faster. Atrial fibrillation, however, causes the atria to twitch and beat irregularly. It also occurs in the heart’s upper left chamber, unlike atrial flutter. Both cause similar symptoms, such as dizziness and palpitations.
Watch Dr Syed, our Consultant Cardiologist and Heart Rhythm Specialist, explain further in our video: Atrial flutter vs atrial fibrillation: what is the difference?
Symptoms
Many people with atrial flutter experience no symptoms. Those that do may have any of the following:
- Tiredness/fatigue
- Fainting, dizziness, confusion
- Palpitations (fluttering sensation)
- Tightness in the chest or breathlessness
If you have atrial flutter, you may struggle to exercise or feel anxious. People with heart or lung disease may experience heart or chest pains (angina pectoris). They are also more likely to faint.
Causes
Atrial flutter can happen without a cause, and sometimes we can’t find the exact cause. It can occur due to diseases or problems within the heart or body. Having cardiac surgery or catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation can also lead to atrial flutter. Most people with atrial flutter are over 50, which is why it’s known as an age-related arrhythmia.
Who is at risk?
Anyone can experience atrial flutter, though certain factors and medical conditions can increase your risk.
Risk factors include:
- Family history
- Over-exercising
- Past heart surgery
- High blood pressure
- Obesity or history of alcohol abuse
- Older age – the risk increases with age
The following medical conditions can also increase your risk:
- Diabetes
- Sleep apnea
- Thyroid disease
- Lung diseases, such as COPD
- Cardiac issues such as heart attack, heart failure, valve problems, coronary artery disease or congenital heart disease
Diagnosis
When you visit us for a consultation, we will discuss the symptoms you are experiencing and when they started. Let us know if you notice they are worse at any time of day or after any possible trigger.
To diagnose atrial flutter, we usually perform an electrocardiogram (ECG). However, some people also need to wear a Holter monitor for a few days or an event monitor for longer. We may also perform an echocardiogram.
If we need to look closer at your heart’s electrical signals, we may recommend an electrophysiological (EP) study. Finally, we may order some blood tests to check for possible causes of a heart rhythm problem, such as thyroid disease.
What these tests involve
Electrocardiogram: An electrocardiogram is a snapshot of your heart’s electrical activity. Stickers (electrodes) are attached to your chest, arms and legs. These measure the rate and rhythm of your heart. Atrial flutter has a very characteristic appearance on the ECG.
Holter monitor: This is a portable ECG that you can wear for a day up to a week. It records your heart rhythm continuously. Newer monitors are available as a patch that sticks to your chest.
Echocardiogram: This is an ultrasound that examines the structure and function of the heart.
Electrophysiological study: We thread a catheter through a vein to your heart and then stimulate the heart tissue. We do this to try and find the abnormal heartbeat’s source.
Learn more about cardiac diagnostic tests.
How serious is atrial flutter?
Atrial flutter itself is not usually life-threatening. However, left untreated, the side effects could be. The abnormal contraction and fluttering of the atria may cause blood to pool within the heart. As a result, the blood could form a clot.
In some people, this clot can travel to the brain and cause a stroke. Atrial flutter can also cause the heart to beat rapidly over long periods and lead to the heart muscle weakening (cardiomyopathy). Over time, this can cause heart failure.
Treatment
We can treat atrial flutter in several ways. We may use medications, but atrial flutter often resists these. Other options include:
- Cardioversion: We electrically shock the heart back to a normal rhythm. But it carries a high recurrence rate.
- Ablation: Catheter ablation is usually the first-line treatment for atrial flutter and is the only curative treatment. In trials, it is better than drugs or cardioversion.
Our cardiologist will discuss your options in detail with you and decide which treatment type is best.
We will also assess whether you need a blood thinner (anticoagulant) to lower your stroke risk. Another part of treating atrial flutter is treating any known underlying cause, such as heart, lung or thyroid disease.
At home management
One of the important steps to managing atrial flutter is to take your medication as prescribed. If you want to try any over-the-counter or natural products, discuss these with your cardiologist. Some drugs may interfere with your prescribed medications.
There are also lifestyle changes you can make to improve your heart health, including
- Reducing stress
- Quitting smoking
- Managing your weight
- Limit your caffeine intake
- Eating a heart-healthy diet
- Exercise regularly at your level
- Having your yearly flu jab to prevent getting ill
- Avoid consuming more than 10-15 alcoholic drinks per week
Many of these changes will also help you manage high blood pressure.
Book an appointment
Speak to your doctor if you experience symptoms of atrial flutter; they may recommend a referral to a cardiologist.
Our private cardiologist and heart rhythm specialist offers a careful evaluation of your symptoms. After a thorough diagnostic service, we provide a tailored treatment plan fitted to your needs and preferences.
Book an appointment today.
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After suffering from a heart condition for a number of years I was very happy to meet Dr Ahsan, from the first consultation where he believed there was a solution I have now completed the surgery and had my final consultation with him today…”
I am very grateful to have Dr Syed Ahsan as my consultant. Dr Ahsan always greets you warmly on each visit despite his busy workload. Dr Ahsan explains everything clearly and helps you to understand even the most complex medical terms…”