Atrial flutter

Atrial flutter is a rhythmic, fast rhythm that occurs in the atria of the heart. This rhythm occurs most often in individuals with organic heart disease (ie: pericarditis, coronary artery disease, and cardiomyopathy).

Atrial flutter is typically not a stable rhythm, and frequently degenerates to atrial fibrillation. However, it may persist for months to years.

Mechanism of action

Atrial flutter is caused by a reentrant rhythm in either the right or left atrium.

Treatment

Atrial flutter should be treated the same as atrial fibrillation. Both rhythms do not provide effective contraction of the atria. Because of this, there is stasis of blood in the atria. This stasis of blood leads to the potential formation of thrombus material in the atria. Therefore, individuals with atrial flutter require some form of anticoagulation or anti-platelet agent.