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Atrial Flutter

Atrial Flutter - What it is

​Atrial flutter is a tachyarrthymia which is characterised by an organised re-entry circuit in the atrial, commonly the right atrium. This usually causes a fast heart rate. If atrial flutter persists, it may degenerate into atrial fibrillation

While atrial flutter commonly occurs in patient with cardiovascular disease, it can also occur in patients without heart conditions.

Atrial Flutter - Symptoms

​Patients may feel palpitations, chest discomfort, exercise intolerance, shortness of breath, fainting spells or giddiness.

Atrial Flutter - How to prevent?

Atrial Flutter - Causes and Risk Factors

Atrial Flutter - Diagnosis

​Diagnosis of atrial flutter can be made by electrocardiogram or via electrophysiology study of the heart. ECG typically shows flutter waves with rapid ventricular activity. As atrial flutter may occur intermittently, sometimes Holter monitoring or transtelephonic monitoring may be useful. 

Atrial Flutter - Treatments

Similar to atrial fibrillation, the targets of treatment for atrial flutter aims to control heart rate or rhythm, and prevent stroke.

Medical therapy with drugs can be given to slow down the heart rate. Conversion of AF back to normal sinus rhythm can be achieved by drugs, cardioversion with an electrical impulse or electrophysiology study with ablation. 

Stroke prevention is achieved by anticoagulation with strong blood thinning agents.

Alternatively, treatment for the heart’s left atrial appendage is also available in the form of the WATCHMAN® left atrial appendage device, which is a permanent implant designed to keep harmful sized blood clots from entering your blood stream.

Your doctor will assess and evaluate the extent of your condition, before recommending the most suitable treatment. 

Atrial Flutter - Preparing for surgery

Atrial Flutter - Post-surgery care

Atrial Flutter - Other Information

The information provided is not intended as medical advice. Terms of use. Information provided by SingHealth

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