Flutter is a disturbance in the normal heart rhythm that (like fibrillation) can occur in the atria and ventricles of the heart. Arrhythmia, however, is less rapid and chaotic than fibrillation.
The causes of flutter are similar to the causes of fibrillation - it can be coronary heart disease, hypertension, damage to the heart valves, cardiomyopathy.
To treat flutter, the same methods are used as for fibrillation - drug therapy to control the heart rate and restore sinus rhythm, as well as catheter ablation to eliminate the arrhythmogenic focus.
If treatment is ineffective, flutter, like other tachyarrhythmias, can lead to the development of life-threatening complications - heart failure and sudden cardiac death. Therefore, timely detection of this rhythm disorder and adequate treatment are important.
Flutter is a disturbance in the normal heart rhythm that (like fibrillation) can occur in the atria and ventricles of the heart. The arrhythmia, however, is less rapid and chaotic. The causes and treatment are similar to those for fibrillation. See also Cardiac arrest, Defibrillation.
Flutter: An abnormal heart rhythm that requires attention.
Flutter is a cardiac disorder characterized by rapid and chaotic contraction of the atria and ventricles of the heart, but less intense than fibrillation. This is a cardiac arrhythmia that can have serious consequences and requires medical attention. In this article, we'll look at the causes of flutter, its symptoms and treatments, and compare it to other cardiac arrhythmias.
The causes of flutter can be varied. One of the most common causes is a violation of the electrical conduction of the heart. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including heart disease such as coronary artery disease, hypertension, heart defects, and other factors such as stress, certain medications, or alcohol.
Symptoms of flutter may vary depending on the specific case and the individual patient. Some people may not experience any obvious symptoms, while others may experience palpitations, shortness of breath, weakness, dizziness, or even loss of consciousness. If you experience these symptoms, especially if they recur or are accompanied by chest pain, you should see your doctor for diagnosis and treatment.
To diagnose flutter, your doctor may order an electrocardiogram (ECG), which can look for abnormalities in your heart rhythm and evaluate your heart activity. Additional testing methods, such as Holter monitoring or echocardiography, may be used to obtain more detailed information about cardiac activity.
Treatment for flutter may involve different approaches, depending on the severity of symptoms and the patient's general condition. In some cases, immediate medical intervention may be required to restore normal heart rhythm. For this purpose, a defibrillation procedure can be used, which is aimed at restoring the heart rhythm using an electrical discharge.
Various treatment methods can be used to control flutter long-term. One of them is the use of medications, such as antiarrhythmic drugs, which help normalize the heart rhythm. In some cases, an ablation procedure may be necessary, which removes or “isolates” the abnormal areas of the heart that are causing the flutter. This allows you to restore normal heart rhythm.
Additionally, an important aspect of treating flutter is controlling the underlying medical condition that may be causing it. For example, when treating arterial hypertension, it is necessary to follow recommendations for lifestyle changes, take antihypertensive drugs and monitor blood pressure levels. It's also important to avoid factors that can trigger fluttering, such as stress and excess alcohol or caffeine consumption.
In some cases, flutter can be chronic and require constant medical supervision. In such cases, your doctor may recommend implanting a pacemaker or other device to control your heart rhythm.
Flutter is a serious heart disorder that requires attention and medical intervention. If you suspect flutter or are experiencing symptoms, consult your doctor for advice and diagnosis. Early detection and proper treatment of flutter can help prevent complications and improve the patient's quality of life.