Atrial Flutter

Overview

Atrial flutter

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Mayo Clinic is nationally recognized for its expertise and experience in the treatment of atrial flutter and other heart arrhythmias — conditions in which the heart beats too fast or too slow. Many Mayo Clinic physicians are internationally known for their work in heart rhythm disorders. Patients benefit from Mayo Clinic's expertise and experience in the diagnosis and treatment of atrial flutter.

Mayo Clinic is a national leader in catheter ablation and implantable devices and uses the most advanced technology to treat atrial flutter and other arrhythmias. Read more about catheter radiofrequency ablation.

Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, is ranked among the Best Hospitals in Heart and Heart Surgery by U.S. News & World Report.

Diagnosis

For patients with atrial flutter, the medical team at Mayo Clinic is led by electrophysiologists (cardiologists with specialized training in the diagnosis and treatment of heart rhythm disorders). Several diagnostic tests may be performed to determine the cause and severity of the heart arrhythmia. Read more about atrial flutter diagnosis.

Treatment Options

The decision for medical treatment, and the method selected, can be made only after a comprehensive diagnosis. The Mayo Clinic Model of Care emphasizes an integrated, collaborative team approach to provide the most appropriate care for each patient.

The goals of treatment for atrial flutter include:

• Attempting to restore and maintain the sinus rhythm (normal rhythm) of the heart through electrical cardioversion, medications or catheter radiofrequency ablation
• Regulating the heart rate, using medications, catheter radiofrequency ablation or medical devices
• Reducing the risk of blood clots and stroke with medications

Many patients who have atrial flutter may need more than one type of treatment.

Treatment options may include:

• Cardioversion (a procedure to reset the heart to its regular rhythm)
• Catheter radiofrequency ablation
• Surgery
• Medical devices such as pacemakers
• Medications

Follow-up care for patients is another essential component of treatment at Mayo Clinic. Read more about atrial flutter treatment options.

About Atrial Flutter

In atrial flutter, the upper chambers of the heart (atria) are electrically overstimulated as many as 300 times per minute, compared to the normal rate of 60 to 100 times. Atrial flutter usually results in tachycardia (rapid heart rate); occasionally, the heart rate will be too slow.

An episode of atrial flutter can cause heart palpitations, shortness of breath, chest tightness, fatigue and dizziness. Some people may experience no symptoms, and the atrial flutter is identified incidentally during a routine electrocardiogram or physical exam. Although the condition may be chronic (occurring constantly), it can also occur in episodes where occasional attacks last hours or days (paroxysmal atrial flutter), and then be followed by periods of normal heart rhythm.

Read more about heart arrhythmias at MayoClinic.com.