Atrial flutter

How does atrial flutter occur?

Under normal conditions, the heart contracts rhythmically and synchronously. This contraction is the result of an electrical impulse that is generated in the atrium, reaches the ventricle and results in a heartbeat. there is a disturbance of this mechanism that leads to the heart does not contract regularly generating a rhythm disorder. The normal heart rate is between 50-100 beats per minute. When it is greater than 100 beats per minute, it is spoken of tachyarrhythmia.

In the flutter the electrical impulse Instead of continuing its normal path to the ventricle, it follows a circuit around one of the heart valves (tricuspid valve) causing an irregular and rapid rhythm that causes the ventricle not to contract effectively.

The main complications of this arrhythmia include failure of the heart's pump function that prevents the blood from being properly distributed throughout the body and the appearance of thromboembolism. In the absence of a coordinated atrio-ventricular contraction, the blood can stagnate in the atrium and, as it remains stagnant, give rise to thrombi that can cause embolisms when they leave the bloodstream driven by the heart.

The most frequent causes of flutter include:

• heart disease: diseases of the heart valves, coronary disease or diseases of the heart muscle (cardiomyopathies), among others.
• Non-cardiac diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, thyroid diseases (hyperthyroidism) or the use of drugs and alcohol.

Symptoms

In some patients, flutter does not produce symptoms. When these appear the most frequent are palpitations. You can also feel dyspnea or feeling short of breath and tiredness. Other more serious symptoms resulting from failure of the heart's pump function or the presence of underlying heart or lung disease include hypotension, chest pain, and syncope (sudden loss of consciousness).

Diagnosis

The basic diagnostic test to detect this type of arrhythmia is the one that allows a characteristic flutter with a «sawtooth» morphology.

You can request other complementary tests aimed at knowing the cause of arrhythmia What:

• Analytics to rule out triggering diseases such as hyperthyroidism.
• Echocardiogram. It allows to see if there are alterations in the structure and function of the heart.
• . Some patients have symptoms suggestive of arrhythmias, but when the EKG is performed, it is normal. In these cases, to help identify the diagnosis of the arrhythmia that appears and disappears, an electrocardiogram recording is made. for 24 hours by means of a monitor that the patient must wear during that period of time.
• Electrophysiological study. It allows to obtain a map of the electrical conduction of the heart, to find out the type of arrhythmia and its possible origin.

Treatment for atrial flutter

The treatment is aimed at controlling the rhythm and heart rate as well as the appearance of complications associated with this type of arrhythmia (thromboembolism).

• • Radiofrequency ablation It is a procedure that uses a catheter and a device that makes it possible to obtain a map of the electrical conduction pathways of the heart. Using high-frequency electromagnetic waves, the conduction pathways responsible for the arrhythmia can be destroyed. It is considered one of the treatment of choice in this type of arrhythmia since in a large number of cases it can restore normal heart rhythm.
  • Antiarrhythmic drugs allow the control and treatment of most arrhythmias. There are numerous groups of drugs that work by different mechanisms by slowing the heart rate and restoring the normal rhythm of the heart. They can be administered orally or intravenously and always under medical indication and supervision.
  • The cardioversion is a treatment used to restore sinus rhythm (normal rhythm) after an electrical shock is applied to the chest or by drugs. It is usually used in emergency situations when the patient has severe symptoms due to arrhythmia.
  • Treatments aimed at reducing the complications of this arrhythmia: anticoagulant drugs.

Prevention

Living a healthy life, avoiding alcohol, tobacco, drugs and stress helps prevent heart disease. Once this arrhythmia is diagnosed, it is important to follow treatment and medical advice to prevent its complications. With the insurance of the greatest experts in medicine.

Intensive Medicine Specialist