Description of the Disease
Atrial flutter is a supraventricular tachyarrhythmia with atrial contraction rates of 250-350 per minute.
Causes of the Disease
The mechanism of re-entry previously discussed is involved in the development of atrial flutter. The clinical picture, symptoms, and even treatment are similar to those described for atrial fibrillation.
Learn more about atrial fibrillationSymptoms of the Disease
Patients with atrial flutter, like those with atrial fibrillation, experience weakness, malaise, reduced tolerance to physical exertion, palpitations, shortness of breath, and heart palpitations.
Sometimes individuals may experience chest pain or fainting episodes. In all these cases, it is better to seek help from qualified arrhythmia specialists to avoid the risk of stroke.
Diagnostics of the Disease
In our Center for Cardiovascular Surgery and Interventional Cardiology, you can undergo diagnostics and, if atrial flutter is detected, receive treatment for this condition.
The diagnosis of atrial flutter is based on clinical data, ECG during an episode, or 24-hour ECG monitoring. Implantable electronic devices (pacemakers, ICDs, subcutaneous ECG recorders) play an important role in diagnostics, as they can automatically detect rhythm disturbances and provide important information to the physician.
Treatment of the Disease
Treatment of atrial flutter involves prescribing medications that prevent the onset of episodes and reduce the risk of stroke.
Treatment should be comprehensive, meaning that it should simultaneously address any accompanying pathologies, such as heart failure or hypertension.
If medical antiarrhythmic therapy is ineffective, radiofrequency ablation may be performed.
In the case of so-called 'typical' atrial flutter, the mechanism of which is presumed based on ECG data, the effectiveness of radiofrequency ablation can reach 90% or more, often eliminating the need for prolonged use of antiarrhythmic drugs after the procedure.
Prognosis of the Disease
Atrial flutter, whether symptomatic or asymptomatic, is associated with increased risks of hospitalization, development and progression of heart failure, stroke, and increased mortality.
Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of the substrate of atrial flutter has very high efficacy and usually permanently eliminates the patient's palpitations.