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Atrial flutter is an abnormal heart rhythm that increases the risks of a stroke and can weaken the heart muscle.
If you're experiencing atrial flutter symptoms, we can provide access to specialist cardiologists and can offer fast diagnostics and treatment.
You may experience one or several symptoms that directly relate to atrial flutter:
It's sometimes possible for symptoms of other heart conditions (such as atrial fibrillation) to mimic those of atrial flutter so it's important to see a doctor to enable you to receive the right diagnosis.
If you’re experiencing any of the above symptoms, rest assured we provide quick diagnostics and the most effective treatment recommendations. We also offer same and next-day private GP appointments for peace of mind.
When is atrial flutter an emergency?
If you have any sudden signs or symptoms that may suggest a heart attack, call 999 immediately. These might include:
Atrial flutter (also referred to as AFL) is a cardiac arrhythmia condition that's diagnosed when a person has an abnormally fast heartbeat. The condition is caused by electrical impulses in the heart that result in its top chambers (atria) beating faster than the bottom chambers (ventricles). This means that the overall heart rhythm becomes out of sync and the rapid heartbeat is experienced in a consistent pattern.
A normal resting heart rate is considered to be between 60 and 100 BPM. But, when a person has atrial flutter, the upper chambers of the heart can beat 250 to 350 times per minute. This then results in a faster response in the lower chambers (typically 150 BPM or more).
The rapid heartbeat means that the chambers are unable to be filled with blood properly and the upper chambers can't empty the blood quickly enough. In turn, the body receives less blood than it should.
Some people confuse atrial flutter with atrial fibrillation (Afib) but there is a clear difference. With AFL, the heartbeat is fast but remains regular. When someone experiences Afib, the heartbeat is not only fast but also irregular. It is possible to have both conditions at the same time and, often, treatment can be similar for both.
There are three types of atrial flutter which typically produce similar symptoms but it's important to be correctly diagnosed so you can be given the most effective treatment:
If you have symptoms or concerns, we'll confirm an appointment with a leading cardiac specialist within 24 hours of you getting in touch. We provide fast access to consultants so you can receive a rapid diagnosis and prompt treatment, if needed.
If not properly diagnosed and treated, atrial flutter can cause other serious conditions such as blood clots which can lead to a stroke or heart attack and a weakened heart muscle. You might also experience low blood pressure which, if left unmanaged, can lead to heart failure.
But, with the correct diagnosis and treatment options for atrial flutter, the symptoms and any further risks can be well managed.
While atrial flutter is directly caused by abnormal electrical signals in the heart, it can be associated with various underlying conditions. These can include:
It's important to be aware that this doesn't mean everyone with one of these conditions will experience atrial flutter and it’s recommended that you speak to a doctor to understand your circumstances.
Atrial flutter is more common in those over the age of 50 due to the increased risk of underlying factors and related conditions such as high blood pressure and heart disease. But there are other risks associated with atrial flutter that may increase the likelihood of the condition developing:
As with many heart-related conditions, reducing your alcohol intake, getting adequate sleep and maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle might help to reduce your chances of experiencing atrial flutter.
Often, an atrial flutter diagnosis is made after you've experienced symptoms. The condition is also sometimes diagnosed after routine checks.
If you're experiencing atrial flutter symptoms, a GP or other health professional will usually check your pulse and ask questions about your symptoms and previous medical history. They might recommend further investigations or tests such as:
Additional tests like electrophysiological studies and cardiac stress tests might be used to gain further information about the causes of your arrhythmia and how your heart responds to exercise.
Once your atrial flutter diagnostic tests have been completed, your consultant will talk to you in detail about your results. You'll also be advised of any further investigations or treatments for atrial flutter that are needed, based on your individual condition.
Our advanced diagnostics and rapid results can give you peace of mind and, if necessary, allow prompt atrial flutter treatment. We have provided over 75,000 ECGs and over 62,000 echocardiograms in the last three years across our network of clinics.
Atrial flutter management or treatment is typically based on the severity of your condition. Treatments and therapy for atrial flutter focus on reducing the risk of serious heart problems and managing your abnormal heartbeat.
Your consultant will consider and recommend the most suitable and effective treatment option for you, which might include certain medications, procedures or a combination of both.
You might be offered medications to control your heart rhythm, reduce your risk of stroke or manage your heart rate.
You might also have treatment for any underlying condition that could have contributed to your atrial flutter such as diabetes or an overactive thyroid.
Depending on the medication you're prescribed, you might experience some side effects, most of which are mild and manageable. These might include:
Your consultant or GP will discuss the potential side effects and your individual risk factors before prescribing any of these medications.
Atrial flutter can often be successfully treated with a medical procedure that aims to cure the abnormal heart rate. We’re the leading provider of private electrophysiological procedures, including cardioversions, ablations and pacemakers, in London.
At HCA UK, we treat (X percentage) of those with atrial flutter with one of the following, and deliver excellent outcomes with all our treatments:
If your atrial flutter requires treatment, you can receive the most effective treatment or management plan for your condition with HCA UK. We treat more cases than any other private provider, so rest assured you’ll be supported by a team of experienced cardiac experts. In the period January 2021 - December 2023, we carried out over 3000 cardiac ablations and 662 cardioversions, and fitted 885 pacemakers.
Most risks from atrial flutter procedures are minor and include factors such as temporary pain or discomfort. You might experience dizziness from a drop in blood pressure or nausea due to the anaesthetic.
In rare cases, there might be damage to the heart after electrical cardioversion. There is also a very small risk of blood clots developing in the heart and your cardiologist might recommend taking blood thinning medication before and after the procedure.
Early diagnosis and an effective treatment plan are crucial in the management of atrial flutter. Most people can live a normal life after treatment for the condition, but you might need to consider some lifestyle changes to reduce your risk of atrial flutter returning or experiencing other heart conditions.
Your consultant will advise you on aspects such as driving, work, travel and physical activity, depending on the type of treatment or medication you've been given.
Susan was able to get rapid access to Dr Oliver Segal, Cardiologist and Electrophysiologist, at The Harley Street Clinic. After being diagnosed with an atrial flutter, she was told that the best course of treatment would be cardiac ablation.
"Coming into hospital and having the procedure was such an efficient process… The procedure went to plan and after arriving at 7.00 am that morning, I was out and on my way home by 4.00 pm. Everyone who I met was incredibly impressive – I felt so well looked after."
A few weeks after Susan was discharged, during her follow-up consultation, Dr Segal discovered that while the cardiac ablation fixed Susan's atrial flutter, it exposed another arrhythmia concern, which meant she would need to come back into hospital for cardioversion.
Since then, Susan has had two further successful operations with Dr Segal and Mr John Yap, Consultant Cardiothoracic Surgeon at The Harley Street Clinic, and is now continuing her life, worry-free.
Our arrhythmia specialists diagnose and treat a range of conditions including atrial flutter and provide only the highest quality care, personalised to each individual.
View profiles with our consultant finder and book an appointment with your chosen specialist. You can also request an appointment and get connected with a consultant who specialises in your symptoms.
There are two options for payment. You can choose to pay for your care privately or via your medical insurance.
If you pay privately, you will be given a quote so you'll know exactly what the costs will be and you can pay via your preferred method. If you have medical insurance, you'll need to check with your insurer about the conditions and treatments you're covered for.
We can help you make an appointment with one of our leading cardiology consultants at one of the above clinics.
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This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.