Atrial Flutter

The onset of atrial flutter may go unnoticed, particularly at first however, people with hypertension, coronary artery disease and cardiomyopathy (a weakening of the heart muscle) are most likely to experience this type of arrhythmia, though a normal heart can have episodes of atrial flutter as well.

Symptoms can include palpitations, symptoms can include shortness of breath, chest pain and nausea.

Ablation

When traditional medications to control atrial fibrillation prove ineffective, the atrioventricular node can be destroyed using radiofrequency ablation. The procedure, which is performed using a catheter, transmits a mild and painless wave of energy to the area, eliminating the cells that are causing the irregularity. Another procedure destroys the atrial tissue near the pulmonary veins. This spares the node but is less effective. Regardless, a pacemaker will be required to activate the ventricles following ablation.

Medical Management

In many cases, a pacemaker will be prescribed to regulate the beats of the heart. Smaller than a matchbox, the pacemaker is placed under the skin near the collarbone. If the rhythm of the heart is too slow or not beating, an electrical pulse is sent via a wire to the heart to help it maintain a normal rhythm.

Anticoagulants: A blood-thinning medication such as warfarin (Coumadin) or aspirin and are prescribed to control blood clots that can lead to strokes.

Digoxin: This slows the electrical conduction between the atria and the ventricles, helping the heart rhythm return to normal.

Beta-blockers: Relax the heart and slow it down, decreasing blood pressure and lowering the heart’s demand for oxygen.

Calcium channel blockers: Reduce high blood pressure and increase the flow of blood to the heart muscle by opening arteries.