Atrial Flutter: Causes, Symptoms & What to Expect

Atrial flutter is a heart arrhythmia that occurs when the upper chambers of the heart (the atria) beat too quickly and irregularly. This causes the ventricles (the lower chambers of the heart) to beat too fast, which can lead to a number of symptoms, including:

* Palpitations

* Chest pain

* Shortness of breath

* Lightheadedness

* Dizziness

* Fatigue

* Confusion

Atrial flutter can be caused by a number of things, including:

* Heart disease

* High blood pressure

* Diabetes

* Obesity

* Smoking

* Alcohol use

* Caffeine use

* Thyroid problems

* Sleep apnea

Atrial flutter is usually treated with medication, such as beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, or anti-arrhythmics. In some cases, surgery or ablation therapy may be necessary to treat atrial flutter.

If you have any of the symptoms of atrial flutter, it is important to see a doctor right away. Atrial flutter can be a serious condition, but it can usually be treated effectively.