Atrial Flutter

Symptoms of atrial fibrillation can vary from person to person – some people will experience no symptoms, while others may experience any or all of the following:

• a pounding or fluttering heart (palpitations)

• shortness of breath

• dizziness

• fatigue

• chest pain

• fainting

• lightheadedness

Atrial flutter is caused by an abnormality in the electrical circuit in the atria (the upper chambers of the heart), which causes abnormally frequent contractions.

These contractions also cause the lower chambers of the heart (ventricles) to contract quickly, but not as fast as the atria. This mismatch of beats is what causes the heart to ‘flutter’.

The abnormality in the electrical circuit can be associated with:

• heart valve disorders

• a congenital (present at birth) heart condition

• coronary artery disease

• high blood pressure

• overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism)

• heart surgery

• obesity

• alcohol

• lung disease

• sleep apnoea

A Welbeck cardiologist will be able to make a diagnosis of atrial flutter by asking you about your symptoms and medical history, and performing a test called an electrocardiogram (ECG), which records the electrical activity in your heart.

They may want to perform additional tests, including an echocardiogram, blood tests, and associated appropriate tests to confirm a diagnosis and help identify the cause of the condition.

Medications to slow down the heart rate are often the first line of treatment for atrial flutter.

If medications are not effective, your consultant cardiologist may perform a procedure called a catheter ablation or atrial fibrillation ablation to destroy any tissue that is creating abnormal electrical signals in order to terminate the electrical circuit.

Your cardiologist may wish to perform another procedure called a cardioversion. This procedure uses a small, controlled shock to the chest to provide short-term correction of the heart rhythm. However, the reason behind this would be discussed, and this is not a definitive treatment.

At Welbeck, our cardiologists are experts in their field and are dedicated to providing world-class care to every patient.

With access to colleagues across other specialties, our consultants are also able to refer within the Welbeck ecosystem if required to ensure you receive the treatment you need as quickly as possible, all under one roof.

All appointments, testing, treatment, and follow-up appointments take place within our state-of-the-art facilities, enabling us to deliver accurate diagnostics and advanced treatments.

Your health is important to us, so we strive to offer same-day appointments whenever possible.

Our consultants are recognised by the major health insurance companies. If you have private health insurance, your treatment at Welbeck can begin once you have obtained authorisation. We also provide care to self-paying patients. Learn more about the different payment options at Welbeck.

Get in touch today to book an appointment.

Atrial flutter can’t always be prevented, but you can lower your risk of developing it by adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle. Making changes that support overall cardiovascular health may also reduce the triggers that contribute to abnormal heart rhythms.

You may lower your risk by:

• eating a balanced diet rich in fruit, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins

• exercising regularly — aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate activity per week unless advised otherwise by your doctor

• maintaining a healthy weight, which reduces strain on the heart

• not smoking and avoiding exposure to tobacco smoke

• limiting alcohol and caffeine, and avoiding stimulants that can affect heart rhythm

• managing other health conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, sleep apnoea, and diabetes with help from your GP and/or cardiologist

These steps not only help reduce the likelihood of atrial flutter but also improve overall heart health.