“May all be happy, may all be healed, may all be at peace and may no one ever suffer."
Atrial fibrillation (AFib) and atrial flutter are both heart rhythm disorders that affect the atria, which are the upper chambers of the heart.
In AFib, the electrical signals that regulate the heartbeat become chaotic, leading to an irregular and often rapid heartbeat. The atria quiver instead of contracting normally, and this can lead to inefficient blood flow, and in some cases, the formation of blood clots that can travel to other parts of the body and cause serious complications such as stroke.
Atrial flutter, on the other hand, is a similar condition in which the atria beat too quickly and in a regular pattern. This can also lead to inefficient blood flow and the formation of blood clots.
Symptoms of both conditions may include palpitations (a sensation of fluttering or racing in the chest), shortness of breath, fatigue, and dizziness. However, some people with either condition may not experience any symptoms.
Treatment for both AFib and atrial flutter may include medications to control the heart rate and rhythm, such as beta-blockers or calcium channel blockers, as well as medications to prevent blood clots, such as anticoagulants. In some cases, procedures such as cardioversion (a procedure to restore the heart's normal rhythm) or catheter ablation (a procedure to destroy small areas of heart tissue that are causing the irregular heartbeat) may be recommended.
Prevention of both conditions may involve maintaining a healthy lifestyle, such as regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding excessive alcohol consumption, and managing stress. It is also important to manage any underlying conditions that may contribute to the development of these conditions, such as high blood pressure or sleep apnea.