Atrial flutter is used to describe an abnormal heart rhythm common in adults. This condition originates from the upper atria of the heart beating too fast, thus throwing them out of sync with the lower ventricles of the heart. Atrial flutter shares a lot in common with the even more prevalent atrial fibrillation. Atrial flutter differs from atrial fibrillation in that its pattern is regular, even though both share a common disjointed rhythm. Other medical conditions (such as heart failure, high blood pressure, thyroid dysfunction, alcoholism, and diabetes) can increase your risk in developing atrial flutter. This is why it is important to keep track of your health, particularly when a preexisting condition can affect your heart.
While some individuals may not exhibit symptoms thanks to atrial flutter's lack of an abnormal electric signal pattern, there are a few key signs of atrial flutter to look out for, including: tachycardia (elevated heart rate); an irregular heart rate; heart palpitations; dizziness; lightheadedness; dyspnea (shortness of breath); fatigue; and the sensation of near-fainting. While atrial flutter is not inherently life threatening, if left untreated, these symptoms of atrial flutter can quickly increase your chances of complications. If the heart is not effectively pumping blood (which is what is happening during prolonged atrial flutter), then your body is more likely to begin forming clots that could lead to a number of more deadly conditions. Understanding the symptoms that go along with atrial flutter and knowing how to recognize them could be the difference between continued health and heart failure.
