Atrial flutter (irregular heart rate)
About Atrial flutter (irregular heart rate)
Normally, the two small chambers of the heart (the atria) beat about 60-80 times a minute, in a regular rhythm. In atrial flutter, the two atria beat very rapidly (90-150 times a minute) and usually the large chambers of the heart (ventricles) respond irregularly causing an irregular and rapid heart rate. This disorder at times occurs along with another type of rapid and irregular heart rhythm called atrial fibrillation. The main causes of this disorder include mitral valve disease, high blood pressure, heart attacks, thyroid disease, a blood clot in the lung (pulmonary embolus), stimulants (cocaine, methamphetamines), drinking excessive amounts of alcohol, viral infections and stress from other illnesses.Symptoms
Palpitations, light-headedness, shortness of breath, fainting, chest pain, anxiety.Tests & Diagnostics
A history and physical exam will be performed. Blood tests will be done to rule out: electrolyte abnormality, heart attack, blood clot, or thyroid disease. Echocardiogram will be performed to determine structural disease such as mitral stenosis or atrial myxoma.Common tests: Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), Echocardiogram, EKG, Troponin, TSH, X-ray.
OTC sleep aids and supportive treatments
Prescription medications
Conventional treatment summary
Any metabolic, physiologic or structural defects are corrected. The heart rate is slowed by administering medications such as calcium channel blockers (diltiazem, verapamil), beta-blockers (metoprolol, esmolol), or digoxin. It often is possible to restore the normal rhythm (called cardioversion) using medicines or electrical shocks. When atrial flutter lasts more than a day or two, blood clots can form in the atria. Those clots can be carried to the brain, causing a stroke, or to other parts of the body. For that reason, anticoagulants (blood thinners) are given for persistent atrial flutter and before cardioversion (if a person has been in atrial flutter for more than a few days). Some patients are in atrial flutter, usually along with atrial fibrillation, their entire lives.Medical specialties
Cardiology · Pediatric Cardiology
This page is educational content, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified clinician for diagnosis and treatment of Atrial flutter (irregular heart rate).