Atrial Flutter

Atrial flutter is a heart condition in which the atria fires off multiple ectopic pacemakers causing a flutter of atrial contraction and increasing the rate of ventricle contraction. Atrial flutter occurs most commonly in people who have a variety of cardiac diseases, however, it has been noted in some people who have an otherwise normal heart. Atrial flutter is not a sustainable rhythm and generally either self-resolves or progresses to atrial fibrillation.

Atrial Flutter ECG

Heart Rate: greater than 100 per minute.

Rhythm: irregular

Pacemaker Site: multiple ectopic atrial pacemaker sites.

P-waves: absent, but replaced with multiple “F” waves .

QRS complex. Normal.

Atrial Flutter Signs and Symptoms

People who have atrial flutter are likely to have the following signs and symptoms:

1. Signs associated with poor perfusion, such as pale, cold, clammy skin. Some diaphoresis may be present.

2. Symptoms such as the sensation of a racing heart (palpitations).

3. In many cases the person may have no symptoms at all.