A rapid but relatively regular heart-beat caused by abnormalities in the electrical signals generated by the atria (upper chambers) of the heart. Atrial flutter is a common type of cardiac arrhythmia, or abnormal heartbeat. Atrial flutter causes the heart to pump less effectively, reducing the amount of blood being pumped throughout the body. The condition is often associated with heart attack or surgery on the heart or lungs.
A cardiac dysrhythmia marked by rapid (about 300 beats per minute) regular atrial beating, and usually a regular ventricular response (whose rate may vary depending on the conduction of electrical impulses from the atria through the atrioventricular node). On the electrocardiogram, the fluttering of the atria is best seen in leads II, III, and F as “sawtooth” deflections between the QRS complexes. Atrial flutter usually converts to sinus rhythm with low-voltage direct current (DC) cardioversion or atrial pacing.
A rapid, rhythmic pulsation of the upper chambers of the heart that disrupts the normal functioning of the heart. Atrial flutter is typically more structured and consistent compared to atrial fibrillation, although it frequently transitions into atrial fibrillation. This condition predominantly manifests in individuals with underlying heart disease and within the initial week following heart surgery.
Atrial flutter is a type of abnormality of the heartbeat characterized by regular but rapid beating of the atria, the upper chambers of the heart. The symptoms and treatment for atrial flutter are similar to those of atrial fibrillation. Both conditions may present similar symptoms and require similar therapeutic interventions to manage the irregular heart rhythm and associated complications.