Atrial Flutter Causes
Atrial flutter may be caused by abnormalities or diseases of the heart, by a disease elsewhere in the body that affects the heart, or by consumption of substances that change the way electrical impulses are transmitted through the heart. In some people, no underlying cause is ever found.
Heart diseases or abnormalities that can cause atrial flutter include the following:
Diseases elsewhere in the body that affect the heart include the following:
Substances that may contribute to atrial flutter include the following:
Atrial flutter is closely related to another arrhythmia called atrial fibrillation. The two sometimes alternate back and forth.
Atrial Flutter Symptoms
Some people have no symptoms at all with atrial flutter. Others describe the following symptoms:
Palpitations (rapid heartbeat or a pounding sensation in the chest)
- A "fluttering" or tremor-like feeling in the chest
- Shortness of breath
People with underlying heart or lung disease who experience atrial flutter may have these and other, more significant symptoms:
When to Seek Medical Care for Atrial Flutter
If you experience any of the symptoms of atrial flutter, call your health care provider for an appointment.
If you are taking medication for atrial flutter, and you experience any of the signs and symptoms described, call your health care provider.
If you have been diagnosed and are being treated for atrial flutter, go immediately to a hospital emergency department if you experience any of the following symptoms: