Download Atrial Flutter

Atrial Flutter
Definition: Well-organised but overly rapid contractions of the atrium of the heart
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Usually 250-300 contractions per minute
Rapid vibration or pulsation
Difference between fibrillation and flutter is that flutter is organised
Causes:
 Occurs most often in individuals with CV disease: HT, CAD, cardiomyioathy, etc)
 May occur spontaneously in people with otherwise normal hearts
Not a stable rhythm  atrial fibriliation
Clinical features:
 Sometimes asymptomatic
 Onset characterised by sensations of regular palpitations
 Usually well tolerated (high heart rate for most people is a normal response to exercise),
however those with underlying conditions may experience: SOB, chest pains,
lightheadedness, nausea and in some patients, nervousness and feelings of impending doom
Complications:
 Rate related  ventricular decomposition and heart failure
 Clot formation: poor contraction of the atria leads to stasis of blood in the atria  clot
formation
 Sudden cardiac death (due to AF)
Treatment (same as atrial fibriliation):
 Anticoagulation
 Rate control versus rhythm control using drugs
 Rate control
 Cardioversion: electrical DC shock
 Ablation