Atrial Flutter Treatment

Electrical impulses from the sinus node or sinoatrial node control the rhythm of the heart. This natural pacemaker of the heart is situated in the right atrium, from where these impulses originate. An atrial contraction is caused due to these impulses, which then travel to the trioventricular (AV) node and pause for a very brief period. Meanwhile the blood flows from the atria, and the electrical impulse travels through the ventricular region of the heart, generating a contraction to push the blood from the ventricles. This is the regular path taken by the electrical impulses and the process can be summed up as a heartbeat. A healthy heart beats approximately 70 to 100 times per minute. The heart supplies blood and nutrients to all parts of the body with every heartbeat. The continuous contraction of the heart ensures that blood travels to each and every body part.

What is Atrial Flutter?

At times, these impulses from the sinoatrial (SA) node tend to take an abnormal path and end up in the tricuspid valve. This valve, located in the right atrium, separates it from the left ventricle and prevents the blood from flowing back. The wrong path taken by the impulses can result in rapid contractions of the atria, a condition which is referred to as atrial flutter or atrial fibrillation. It can be caused due to hypertension (high blood pressure), cardiomyopathy, mitral stenosis, pericarditis and coronary artery disease. Other factors responsible for this condition are binge drinking (alcoholism), certain medications and an overactive thyroid gland. The heart may beat up to about 250 to 350 times in a single minute, which is fast. Unfortunately, though the heart beats at a faster rhythm, it does not generate enough blood. Inadequate blood supply to the vital organs can lead to failure, as these organs do not get sufficient oxygen. When atrial flutter (or fibrillation) is infrequent in nature it is known as paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. While on the other hand, it can also be persistent in nature, where atrial flutters can last for weeks together. The symptoms exhibited by this condition are heart palpitations, shortness of breath, weakness, fluttering in the chest and anxiety etc. It is essential to undergo atrial flutter treatment, in order to resolve this heart rhythm disorder.

Treatment for Atrial Flutter

Treating atrial flutter is of utmost importance if unwanted complications need to be avoided. On observing any of the above mentioned symptoms, it is essential to seek medical intervention. The symptoms may become worse if the initial signs are ignored. If the patient complains of lightheadedness, has episodes of fainting or chest pain, then he should be rushed to the hospital, since it is a medical emergency. The physician may perform a few diagnostic tests like ECG, echocardiogram to identify and assess the exact condition. Following this, the health care provider may suggest a few treatment options.

Treatment in the Hospital
Treatment for atrial flutter is done in two steps, one in the hospital and other is self care at home. Let us first take a look at the medical treatment, provided in the hospital.

• The doctor may prescribe medications to treat arrhythmia and bring down the frequency of atrial fibrillation. Beta blockers and calcium channel blockers are also administered to reduce the rate of heartbeats and also oxygen demand by the heart. In some cases, anticoagulants are also used to prevent unwanted formation of blood clots, since they increase the risk of atrial flutter.
• Cardioversion with the use of medications or electrical instruments may be performed. Drugs are administered to restore the normal sinus rhythm of the heart, and also to stop the quivering of the atria. In the electrical method, the patient is given light electric shocks, under anesthesia, with the help of pads to normalize the rhythm.
• Another technique used in atrial flutter treatment is catheter radiofrequency ablation. This is a minimally invasive procedure which involves the use of catheters and radiofrequency energy waves to destroy abnormal tissues in the heart. The malfunctioning AV node is also destroyed, and a pacemaker is fitted to restore the normal rhythm of the heart.

Post Treatment Care at Home
Self care may consist of keeping track of next appointment with the doctor post treatment, regularly taking the prescribed drugs and adapting a change in lifestyle. Modifications in the diet also play a major role in preventing the recurrence of this disorder. In case any change in the body is observed, it must be promptly reported to the cardiologist, who may take necessary steps to relieve the problem.

Even though, this abnormal heart rhythm may not be prevented at all times, a healthy lifestyle, along with this routine medical examination, and timely atrial flutter treatment can reduce the risk of contracting coronary heart disease.