Atrial flutter

Overview

Atrial flutter makes the upper chambers beat very fast in a regular pattern.

It often comes with AFib and has the same stroke risk.

Symptoms

Common signs:

• Racing heartbeat
• Irregular, skipping, or fluttering heartbeat

Less common

• Shortness of breath
• Tiredness
• Chest discomfort

When to get medical care

Causes

Heart disease.

Does it spread or run in families?

• It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.

Who is more likely to get it

• Older age

Diagnosis

A clinician asks about your symptoms and may order tests.

The exam

A physical exam.

Tests

Tests, if needed:

• ECG:

Treatment

Treatment depends on the cause and how severe it is.

Self-care

• Take blood thinners as prescribed
• Limit alcohol

Prevention

To lower your risk or prevent problems:

• Treat sleep apnea and high blood pressure

Which doctor treats this

• Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
• They may send you to a cardiologist or electrophysiologist (heart rhythm doctor).

Living with it

Support groups and helplines

• American Heart Association: Plain-language heart information and a support network for patients.

Children, pregnancy, and older adults

• Adults over 60: Most common.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

• If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
• Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
• Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
• Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

Outlook

Ablation cures most cases.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

What to bring

• A list of your medicines and supplements
• Notes on when symptoms started and what makes them better or worse

Questions to ask

• What's causing this?
• What treatment do you recommend?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Atrial flutter