Print Overview Atrial flutter Enlarge image Close Atrial flutter Atrial flutter Atrial flutter is a type of heart rhythm disorder in which the heart's upper chambers (atria) beat too quickly. In atrial flutter, the heart's upper chambers (atria) beat too quickly. This causes the heart to beat in a fast, but usually regular, rhythm. Atrial flutter is a type of heart rhythm disorder (arrhythmia) caused by problems in the heart's electrical system. Atrial flutter is similar to atrial fibrillation, a common disorder that causes the heart to beat in irregular patterns. People with atrial flutter have a heart rhythm that's more organized and less chaotic than that of atrial fibrillation. Sometimes a person may have episodes of both atrial flutter and atrial fibrillation. People with atrial flutter may not have symptoms. However, the disorder can increase the risk of stroke, heart failure and other complications. There are effective treatments for atrial flutter, including medication or procedures designed to scar small areas of heart tissue (ablation). Clinical trials Explore Mayo Clinic studies testing new treatments, interventions and tests as a means to prevent, detect, treat or manage this condition. By Mayo Clinic Staff Atrial flutter care at Mayo Clinic Request an appointment Doctors & departments May 27, 2022 Print Living with atrial flutter? Connect with others like you for support and answers to your questions in the Heart Rhythm Conditions support group on Mayo Clinic Connect, a patient community. Heart Rhythm Conditions Discussions What causes an episode of premature ventricular contractions (PVCs)? 48 Replies Sat, Mar 30, 2024 chevron-right How did you wean off Metoprolol? 543 Replies Wed, Feb 21, 2024 chevron-right Has anyone had an insertable Cardiac Monitor? 125 Replies Wed, Feb 21, 2024 chevron-right See more discussions Show references Ferri FF. Atrial flutter. In: Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2022. Elsevier; 2022. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed May 9, 2022. What is an arrhythmia? National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/arrhythmias. Accessed May 9, 2022. Ami TR. Allscripts EPSi. Mayo Clinic. May 11, 2022. Phang R. Overview of atrial flutter. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed May 9, 2022. Related Atrial flutter Associated Procedures Atrial flutter ablation AV node ablation Cardiac ablation Cardiac catheterization Cardioversion Chest X-rays Echocardiogram Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) Holter monitor Pacemaker Stress test Show more associated procedures Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, has been recognized as one of the top Cardiology & Heart Surgery hospitals in the nation for 2023-2024 by U.S. News & World Report. Learn more about this top honor Atrial flutterSymptoms&causesDoctors&departmentsCare atMayoClinic Advertisement Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. Advertising & Sponsorship Policy Opportunities Ad Choices Mayo Clinic Press Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. Mayo Clinic on Incontinence - Mayo Clinic PressMayo Clinic on IncontinenceThe Essential Diabetes Book - Mayo Clinic PressThe Essential Diabetes BookMayo Clinic on Hearing and Balance - Mayo Clinic PressMayo Clinic on Hearing and BalanceFREE Mayo Clinic Diet Assessment - Mayo Clinic PressFREE Mayo Clinic Diet AssessmentMayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book - Mayo Clinic PressMayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book CON-20303975 Patient Care & Health Information Diseases & Conditions Atrial flutter