There are several treatment options for atrial flutter. Your doctor will decide on a treatment based on several factors including your age, your symptoms and the cause of your AFL. The goals of treatment for atrial flutter include:

• Prevent blood clots from forming
• Control the heart rate
• Return the heartbeat to a normal rhythm, if possible
• Treat the cause(s) of the abnormal rhythm and any AFL complications
• Reduce the risk factors that may lead to the AFL

Medication

If you have atrial flutter, you may need to take one or more medicines for the rest of your life, such as:

• Rhythm control medications (anti-arrhythmic drugs) — medications that help keep a normal heart rhythm by controlling the electrical signals that pass to the lower chambers of the heart
• Rate control medications — medications that slow down a fast heart rate and prevent weakening of the heart muscle by controlling the electrical signals that occur in the upper chambers of the heart
• Blood thinners — medications that help prevent blood clots and reduce the risk of stroke

Everyone reacts differently to medication. You may need to try more than one medicine before you find what works best for you and has the fewest side effects.

Catheter Ablation

Catheter ablation is done in an electrophysiology lab in the hospital by a team of highly skilled nurses and technicians who work alongside the electrophysiologist, a doctor who specializes in treating heart rhythm conditions.

In general, atrial flutter ablation is a very successful procedure with a low complication rate. Of course, you should watch for bleeding or oozing from the catheter sites, discomfort at the catheter sites, aches or discomfort in your chest, fatigue or lightheadedness. Contact your doctor if you have any questions or concerns about any symptoms.