Atrial flutter is an arrhythmia in which the atria (upper chambers) of the heart work very rapidly and regularly. This condition reduces the heart’s pumping efficiency and can lead to complaints such as palpitations, shortness of breath, and weakness. It usually occurs after heart diseases, high blood pressure, thyroid problems, or previous heart surgeries. If left untreated, it carries the risk of stroke and heart failure in the long term if you experience frequent attacks.
- What is atrial flutter?
- What are the symptoms of atrial flutter?
- What causes atrial flutter?
- How is atrial flutter diagnosed?
- How is atrial flutter treated?
- What should atrial flutter patients pay attention to?
- Nutrition in atrial flutter
- Exercise in atrial flutter
- What are the risks of atrial flutter?
- When should you consult a doctor?
What is atrial flutter?
Atrial flutter is a rapid and regular electrical signal loop that occurs in the upper chambers (atria) of your heart, known as the atria. This loop causes the atria to contract much faster than normal, regularly but ineffectively. This condition usually progresses with a heart rate of 250-350 beats per minute. Since the transmission of this rapid atrial rhythm to the lower chambers of your heart usually occurs at certain ratios (for example 2:1 or 4:1), your pulse is also fast but regular. Atrial flutter creates a characteristic wave pattern on ECG known as “sawtooth.”
What are the symptoms of atrial flutter?
Atrial flutter symptoms can vary depending on the frequency of the arrhythmia and the patient’s general health condition. While some people feel no symptoms, others face obvious complaints. The most common symptoms are palpitations, chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, fatigue, and feeling of fainting.
You may feel atrial flutter in the following ways:
- You may feel your heart beating fast and regularly. This is the most common symptom.
- Your heart’s ineffective functioning can cause fluid accumulation in your lungs, leading to shortness of breath, especially during exertion.
- Your heart’s rapid beating can cause the heart muscle to need more oxygen, leading to chest pain.
- Dizziness and drowsiness can occur as a result of decreased blood flow to the brain.
- You may constantly feel tired and weak because your heart cannot pump enough blood to your body.
- If your pulse is very fast, your blood pressure may drop and this may cause fainting.
What causes atrial flutter?
Atrial flutter results from a problem in the electrical system in the upper chambers of your heart. It usually occurs when triggered by another underlying heart disease or risk factors. The most common causes include previous heart surgeries, high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, heart failure, and overactivity of the thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism).
The following factors increase your risk of developing atrial flutter:
- Coronary artery disease, due to narrowing of heart vessels, can affect your heart’s electrical signals.
- Uncontrolled high blood pressure can trigger atrial flutter by causing structural changes in your heart’s muscle walls.
- Weakening of your heart’s pumping function due to heart failure can prepare the ground for atrial enlargement and abnormal electrical cycles.
- Scar tissues formed after surgical procedures such as heart valve repair or bypass can create a suitable environment for atrial flutter.
- Stopping your breathing during sleep causes sudden increases in heart rate and blood pressure, increasing the risk of atrial flutter.
- Excess weight and obesity increase your heart’s workload and can cause fat tissue around the heart to affect electrical signals.
- Overactivity of the thyroid gland can cause arrhythmias by increasing your heart rate.
- Lung diseases can increase atrial flutter risk by placing a load on the right side of your heart.
- Excessive alcohol and caffeine consumption can trigger atrial flutter attacks in some people.
How is atrial flutter diagnosed?
The most basic method for diagnosing atrial flutter is ECG. The “sawtooth” appearance on ECG is a typical finding of atrial flutter. With a Holter device, 24-48 hour rhythm recording can be taken to catch attacks.
Echocardiography evaluates the heart’s structure, valves, and presence of clots. Blood tests examine thyroid functions and electrolyte values. This data is important both to clarify the diagnosis and to determine the cause.
How is atrial flutter treated?
The purpose of atrial flutter treatment is to return the heart rhythm to normal, control the heart rate, and most importantly, reduce stroke risk. The treatment plan is determined according to the type and frequency of flutter, the patient’s general health condition, and other accompanying diseases. Methods used in treatment include medications, electrical cardioversion, and catheter ablation. Your arrhythmia is usually eliminated with ablation.
The methods applied in atrial flutter treatment are as follows:
Drug therapy
- Medications such as beta blockers or calcium channel blockers are used to prevent the lower chambers (ventricles) of your heart from beating too fast.
- Anti-arrhythmic drugs that help return your heart to normal rhythm and maintain this rhythm can be used.
- Blood thinners (anticoagulants) are given to reduce the risk of clot formation in the heart atria during atrial flutter and to reduce stroke risk.
Electrical cardioversion
This is a procedure that returns rhythm to normal by giving a short-term electric shock to the heart through electrodes placed on your chest. It is usually preferred in emergency situations or when drug treatment is insufficient.
Catheter ablation
With special catheters placed inside your heart, the source of the abnormal electrical cycle causing flutter is eliminated by burning or freezing. This is one of the most effective and permanent treatment methods for atrial flutter.
What should atrial flutter patients pay attention to?
Patients diagnosed with atrial flutter should pay attention to their lifestyle to increase treatment success and quality of life. This ensures that the disease is kept under control and the risk of complications is reduced.
Important points that atrial flutter patients should pay attention to are:
- Never skip your medications, especially blood thinners. These medications significantly reduce stroke risk.
- Excessive alcohol and caffeine consumption can trigger flutter attacks.
- Smoking can negatively affect heart and vascular health, causing arrhythmias to worsen.
- Stress and anxiety can trigger atrial flutter attacks. Try to manage stress with techniques such as meditation, yoga, or breathing exercises.
- Keep your blood pressure and cholesterol levels under control by eating a diet low in salt and saturated fat.
Nutrition in atrial flutter
Healthy nutrition plays an important role in controlling atrial flutter and preventing its recurrence. Limiting salt, reducing saturated fats, emphasizing fresh vegetables-fruits and whole grains protects your heart health. Excessive caffeine, energy drinks, and alcohol consumption can trigger arrhythmia attacks. Drinking water regularly and consuming foods rich in potassium and magnesium help keep heart rhythm stable.
Exercise in atrial flutter
Light and moderate regular exercise supports heart health. Rhythmic and low-tempo activities such as walking, swimming, cycling should be preferred. Heavy, sudden, and high-intensity exercises can trigger arrhythmias. You should definitely consult your doctor before starting exercise and determine a program suitable for you.
What are the risks of atrial flutter?
Atrial flutter can carry serious risks and complications when not treated or cannot be controlled. The most important and feared risk is the formation of clots as a result of blood pooling in the upper chambers of the heart and these clots going to the brain causing stroke (paralysis). Fast and long-lasting atrial flutter attacks can weaken the heart’s pumping power over time, leading to heart failure. Additionally, atrial flutter can turn into atrial fibrillation over time. Therefore, the arrhythmia should not be taken lightly, and follow-up and treatment should not be interrupted.
When should you consult a doctor?
Emergency medical evaluation is required in the following situations:
- Sudden onset severe and long-lasting palpitation sensation
- Newly started chest pain or chest pressure
- Sudden increase in shortness of breath
- Dizziness or fainting
- Stroke symptoms such as numbness, loss of strength, or difficulty speaking in one arm or leg
Reference: Atrial Flutter
