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?

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.

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

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.

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.