What is it?

Atrial flutter is a regular rapid heartbeat, caused by a rapid contractility of the chambers (atria). Tachycardia is a condition in which the heart beats more than 100 times per minute. During flutter, the heart rate is between 250-400 beats per minute. Atrial flutter could lead to blood clots, and increase the risk for stroke and heart failure. An episode may cause no symptoms or it could also cause a fast heartbeat, palpitations, shortness of breath and weakness. Episodes of flutter may either be occasional (paroxysmal), which lasts usually between hours to days, or persistent- when the heart rhythm does not go back on its own. Risk factors may include older age, coronary artery disease, different heart conditions, congenital heart disease, high blood pressure, thyroid problems, alcohol misuse, long-term lung disease, and diabetes.