Atrial Flutter

How Is Atrial Flutter Treated?

Treatment aims to fix the cause of the rhythm disturbance, slow the heart rate, and prevent blood clots. Keeping a normal regular heart rhythm is another goal.

Treatment depends on the symptoms and cause. Medicines help control the rate of contraction of ventricles and try to get back the heart’s normal rhythm (chemical cardioversion). If that doesn’t work or symptoms get worse, the heart is electrically shocked. This procedure is called electrical cardioversion. The brief electric shock stops the heart’s electrical activity and may allow normal heart rhythm to take over.

If all these measures don’t work, the health care provider may suggest an electrophysiologic study (EPS). A cardiologist specializing in heart rhythm problems does this test. EPS may help the health care provider decide about other treatment options such as radiofrequency ablation, pacemaker insertion, and surgery.

DOs and DON’Ts in Managing Atrial Flutter:

• DO stop smoking.
• DO reduce your alcohol intake.
• DO eat a heart-healthy, low-fat diet.
• DO lose weight if you’re overweight.
• DO reduce your stress. Stress may worsen your symptoms.
• DO call your health care provider if you have side effects from medicines or have new or worsening symptoms. These include chest pain; shortness of breath; breathing problems; fainting; palpitations; or sudden changes in the ability to speak, eat, walk, or use your limbs.

• DON’T take part in activities that cause bruising if you’re taking anticoagulants.
• DON’T stop taking your medicine or change the dosage because you feel better unless your health care provider- doctor tells you to.
• DON’T use any medicines (including over-the-counter and herbal products) without first asking your health care provider.