What's the difference between atrial flutter and atrial fibrillation?

Atrial flutter and atrial fibrillation are both types of abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias) that originate in the upper chambers of the heart. In atrial flutter, the electrical signals follow a more organised but rapid loop, creating a very fast and regular heartbeat. In atrial fibrillation, the electrical activity is chaotic, leading to an irregular and often faster heart rate. Treatment approaches overlap, but the rhythm patterns and how they respond to certain therapies can differ. You can read more about the differences in our dedicated article: What is the Difference Between Atrial Fibrillation & Atrial Flutter?