Atrial flutter is a type of abnormal heart rhythm, or arrhythmia, characterized by rapid, regular heartbeats originating from the atria. Detecting atrial flutter on an electrocardiogram (ECG) involves identifying specific patterns, such as a sawtooth-shaped waveform in the atrial activity. This distinct pattern is due to the atria contracting rapidly and regularly, typically at rates between 240-340 beats per minute, while the ventricles may respond at a slower rate.
Common symptoms of atrial flutter include palpitations, shortness of breath, chest pain, dizziness, and fatigue. These symptoms result from the heart's reduced efficiency in pumping blood due to the rapid atrial contractions. In some cases, atrial flutter may be asymptomatic and only detected during routine medical examinations or ECG screenings.
Treatment for atrial flutter aims to restore a normal heart rhythm, control the heart rate, and prevent complications such as stroke. Options include medications like beta-blockers or calcium channel blockers to slow the heart rate, antiarrhythmic drugs to restore normal rhythm, and anticoagulants to prevent blood clots. Additionally, electrical cardioversion can reset the heart's rhythm, and catheter ablation may be performed to destroy the abnormal electrical pathways causing the arrhythmia. Regular follow-up and monitoring are essential to manage atrial flutter effectively.