![]() ![]() Electrocardiogram (ECG): An ECG can positively confirm the diagnosis if the rhythm disturbance is actually occurring at the time of the recording.Tests will need to be performed to confirm the diagnosis of atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter and look for any possible underlying causes. How are these rhythm disturbances diagnosed? ![]() Controlling the heart rate with drugs or other methods usually results in improved heart function. If you fall into one of these groups you may need to take blood-thinning drugs (anticoagulants), such as warfarin to reduce the risk of blood clots.Ĭongestive heart failure can result if your heart is pumping ineffectively for a prolonged period at a rapid rate due to the rhythm problem. This increased risk of stroke is mainly seen in people over 65 years, in those with high blood pressure, diabetes, previous stroke or weakened heart muscle. If a clot breaks loose, it can travel to and block a brain artery, causing a stroke. Stagnant blood in the atria can congeal to form blood clots. When your atrial chambers fibrillate, they are unable to pump blood effectively. Stroke is the most serious and feared consequence of atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter. What can happen to me if I have atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter? Some drugs – especially those with stimulant actions.Conditions unrelated to underlying heart disease that may result in atrial fibrillation include thyroid problems, sleep deprivation and other major physical stresses, alcohol and acute illnesses such as pneumonia or major surgery, significant lung disorders such as emphysema and obstructive sleep apnoea.High blood pressure that can put extra strain on the heart and chamber walls resulting in an increased incidence of rhythm disturbances.Valvular heart disease where leaking or narrowing of your heart valves can lead to stretching and thickening of the muscle and an increased risk of developing arrhythmia.The abnormal heart muscle may be prone to heart rhythm problemsĭamage to heart muscle from virus infections and other causes Coronary artery disease with narrowing of the coronary arteries leading to reduced blood and oxygen to the heart muscle and eventual heart muscle damage.Some of the heart conditions that may lead to the development of atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter include: It is also more common in the elderly, with up to 12% of the population over 75 years in chronic atrial fibrillation. In a significant number of people, no cause for the rhythm disturbance is ever found. What causes atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter?Ītrial fibrillation and atrial flutter are associated with a number of medical conditions – some heart-related and others not necessarily to do with heart abnormalities. But often, abnormal heart rhythms cause noticeable symptoms and signs, which may include: In fact, your doctor might detect them before you do during a routine examination. ![]() There may be no symptoms with atrial fibrillation or flutter. What may I feel if I have one of these rhythm disturbances? Therefore, it is important that people with these rhythm disturbances are thoroughly assessed by a doctor, undergo appropriate investigations and receive treatment tailored to their individual situation. In addition, they can be the cause of more serious conditions such as stroke. There are also many people who have these heart rhythm disturbances permanently (chronic atrial fibrillation/flutter).Ītrial fibrillation and atrial flutter are seldom life-threatening arrhythmias, but may be a sign of significant underlying heart problems. It is also treated in a similar manner to atrial fibrillation.īoth atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter can occur intermittently, lasting for minutes up to days and even weeks at a time. It can still cause the ventricles to beat rapidly and generally is associated with similar sorts of symptoms as atrial fibrillation. The upper heart chambers (the atria) also beat more rapidly than normal (or “flutter”) up to 300 beats a minute, but tend to be in a more regular and coordinated fashion. Still, extra impulses often get through and this may accelerate your pulse up to 150 beats a minute or more.Ītrial flutter is another heart rhythm disturbance similar to atrial fibrillation. Fortunately, only a portion of these atrial impulses reaches the lower or pumping chambers of the heart (ventricles). The atria beat so rapidly - as fast as 300 to 400 beats a minute - that they quiver or “fibrillate”. In atrial fibrillation, the electrical activity of the atria becomes uncoordinated. What is atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter?Ītrial fibrillation is one of the most common heart rhythm disturbances during which the upper chambers (the atria) beat in a fast and chaotic pattern. ![]()
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