“May all be happy, may all be healed, may all be at peace and may no one ever suffer."
Atrial flutter is a type of heart rhythm disorder that occurs when the electrical signals in the heart's upper chambers (atria) fire too quickly and in a regular pattern, causing the heart to beat too fast. 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.
Symptoms of atrial flutter may include palpitations (a sensation of fluttering or racing in the chest), shortness of breath, fatigue, and dizziness. Some people with atrial flutter may not experience any symptoms.
Treatment for 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 atrial flutter 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 atrial flutter, such as high blood pressure or sleep apnea.