Atrial Flutter: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

Atrial Flutter is an abnormal heart rhythm that causes the atria, the upper chambers of the heart, to beat rapidly. Early assessment and accurate diagnosis are important to prevent serious cardiovascular complications.

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What is Atrial Flutter?

Atrial Flutter, or AFL, is a type of supraventricular arrhythmia, a heart rhythm disorder that causes the atria to beat unusually fast but in an organised pattern. A normal resting heart rate is 60 to 100 beats per minute. In Atrial Flutter, the atria beat at around 300 beats per minute.

What Causes Atrial Flutter?

The heart relies on a coordinated electrical system to maintain a regular heartbeat and circulate blood throughout the body. Atrial Flutter occurs when abnormal electrical circuits develop within the atria, causing the upper chambers to contract much faster than normal. As a result, the ventricles cannot keep up with the rapid atrial rhythm, leading to an abnormal heartbeat. 

Common causes include:

Symptoms of Atrial Flutter 

Some people with Atrial Flutter may experience no symptoms, and the condition is often detected during a routine heart check. Common symptoms may include:

  • Pounding or racing heartbeat
  • Unusual fatigue
  • Breathlessness
  • Dizziness or fainting
  • Chest pain or tightness

Atrial Flutter Vs Atrial Fibrillation

Atrial Flutter (AFL) and Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) are both common heart rhythm disorders, but they differ in how the electrical signals behave within the heart. In Atrial Flutter, the rhythm is typically fast but more organised and regular. In contrast, Atrial Fibrillation causes a highly irregular and chaotic rhythm. Some patients may experience both conditions at different times.

How Does Dr Francesco Lo Monaco Diagnose AFL?

Diagnosing AFL may require prolonged heart rhythm monitoring due to its intermittent symptoms. Dr Francesco Lo Monaco focuses on evaluating patients’ family history, symptoms, and physical condition to make an accurate diagnosis. For detailed insights, you may be advised to undergo one or more of the following tests:

Electrocardiogram (ECG)

Echocardiogram

Stress Echocardiogram

Ambulatory Holter Monitoring

Electrophysiology Study (EPS)

Blood Tests

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Treatment Options for Atrial Flutter

The main goals of treating AFL are to manage the heart rhythm, avoid complications, and improve overall cardiac health. As a leading preventive cardiologist in the UK, Dr Francesco Lo Monaco focuses on combining evidence-based treatment with sustainable lifestyle improvements.

  • Lifestyle Changes

    • Reducing alcohol and caffeine intake
    • Maintaining a healthy weight
    • Managing high blood pressure
    • Increasing physical activity
    • Quitting smoking
    • Improving sleep quality

  • Medication

    If lifestyle changes alone are not enough to control symptoms, medications may be prescribed to help restore a normal heart rhythm, slow the heart rate, and reduce the frequency of episodes.

  • Catheter Ablation

    Catheter ablation is considered one of the most effective treatments for AFL. The procedure involves inserting thin catheters into the heart to detect abnormal electrical pathways causing arrhythmias. 

  • Cardioversion

    Cardioversion is used to restore a normal heart rhythm either with medication or through a controlled electrical shock delivered to the heart. Depending on the patient’s condition, it may involve pharmacological or electrical cardioversion and is often considered in emergencies.

When to Seek Urgent Medical Care?

Atrial Flutter is curable with early diagnosis and the right treatment. However, if you experience one or more of the following symptoms, seeking urgent care is essential:

  • Chest pain or pressure
  • Dizziness
  • Fainting
  • Shortness of Breath

FAQs

No, it’s not a genetic heart condition.

If left untreated, Atrial Flutter can cause serious complications, including heart failure, stroke, or blood clots.

Hypertension, obesity, family history, age, and certain health conditions, such as diabetes, thyroid disorders, or COPD, can increase your risk of AFL.

Atrial Flutter appears like a ‘sawtooth’ on an ECG, and the heart rate is between 250 and 320 beats per minute.