What is Atrial Flutter?
Atrial flutter (AFL), the second most common type of arrhythmia, is similar to atrial fibrillation (AF). In AFL, the atria (the upper chambers of the heart) beat too fast.
The four chambers of the heart usually beat in a steady, rhythmic pattern. With AFL, the atria are beating faster than the ventricles (the lower chambers). In AF, the heart beats fast and in no regular pattern or rhythm. With AFL, the heart beats fast, but in a regular pattern. The fast, but regular pattern of AFL is what makes it special. AFL makes a very distinct "sawtooth" pattern on an electrocardiogram (ECG), a test used to diagnose abnormal heart rhythms.
How Common is AFL?
AFL affects 88 out of 10,000 new patients each year, making it the second most commonly diagnosed arrhythmia after AF.
What are Symptoms of AFL?
The electrical signal that causes AFL circulates in an organized, predictable pattern. This means that people with AFL usually continue to have a steady heartbeat, even though it is faster than normal. It is possible that people with AFL may feel no symptoms at all. Others do have symptoms, which may include:
- Heart palpitations (feeling like your heart is racing, pounding or fluttering)
- Fast, steady pulse
- Shortness of breath
- Trouble with everyday exercises or activities
- Pain, pressure, tightness or discomfort in your chest
- Dizziness, lightheadedness or fainting
Learn more about the symptoms of AFL and how it occurs »
What Are AFL Risk Factors?
Some medical conditions increase the risk of developing AFL. These medical conditions include:
- Heart disease:
- Congestive heart failure
- Coronary artery disease (including a history of heart attack)
- Structural heart disease (such as valve abnormalities or congenital defects)
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Recent surgery (especially heart surgery)
- Thyroid dysfunction
- Alcoholism (especially binge drinking)
- Chronic lung disease
- Acute (serious) illness
- Diabetes
How Serious is AFL?
AFL itself is not life-threatening. If left untreated, the side effects of AFL can be potentially life-threatening. AFL makes it harder for the heart to pump blood effectively. With the blood moving more slowly, it is more likely to form clots. If the clot is pumped out of the heart, it could travel to the brain and lead to a stroke or heart attack. The risk of stroke increases with age and is closely linked to the presence of other risk factors such as heart disease, high blood pressure or an enlarged heart.
Without treatment, AFL can also cause a fast pulse rate for long periods of time. This can weaken the heart muscle over time, and potentially lead to heart failure. Untreated AFL can also cause AF.
Learn more about treatment options for AFL »
How is AFL Diagnosed?
The simplest way for your doctor to diagnose AFL is a combination of feeling your pulse and recording an electrocardiogram (ECG). If your pulse is faster than 100 beats per minute and irregular, AFL is suspected. The diagnosis is then confirmed with an ECG — a simple, painless test that records the electrical activity of the heart through electrodes that are pasted temporarily to the skin of the chest, arms and legs.
Learn more about how atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter is diagnosed »
Atrial Fibrillation & Flutter — What to Ask Your Doctor
If you have been diagnosed with AF or AFL, or suspect that you may have the condition, here are some questions that you may want to ask your physician.
- What is the cause of my atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter?
- How can I be sure I have A Fib or AFL and not a more serious heart rhythm problem?
- Will my condition go away on its own?
- What are the risks that it will become worse? (more symptomatic)
- Am I at increased risk of having a stroke?
- What are my treatment options?
- What are the risks and side effects of medications to control my condition, or to reduce the risk of stroke?
- What are the risks/benefits of other treatment options?
- Should I see an electrophysiologist (a specialist in heart rhythm disorders)?
