WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: What is atrial flutter? Atrial flutter is an irregular heartbeat. It reduces your heart's ability to pump blood, which means you do not get enough oxygen. An irregular heartbeat could lead to a life-threatening blood clot or stroke. What increases my risk for atrial flutter? - High blood pressure
- Heart failure, heart surgery, or other heart conditions
- Age 65 years or older
- A blood clot in your lungs
- Thyroid disease, obesity, or diabetes
- Heavy alcohol use
What are the signs and symptoms of atrial flutter? - Pounding or racing heartbeat
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Weakness or tiredness
- Lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting
How is atrial flutter diagnosed? Your healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms and if they come and go. He will measure your heart rate. Tell him what health conditions you have and what medicines you take. He will also ask if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use any illegal drugs. You may need any of the following tests: - An EKG records your heart rate and rhythm. You may also need to wear a Holter monitor while you do your normal activities. The Holter monitor is a portable EKG.
- Blood and urine tests check for infection, thyroid function, and potassium and calcium levels.
- A chest x-ray checks for infection or others problems in your heart and lungs.
- An echocardiogram is a type of ultrasound. Sound waves are used to show the structure and function of your heart.
How is atrial flutter treated? - Heart medicines help control your heart rate and rhythm.
- Blood thinners
help prevent blood clots. Examples of blood thinners include heparin and warfarin. Clots can cause strokes, heart attacks, and death. The following are general safety guidelines to follow while you are taking a blood thinner: - Watch for bleeding and bruising while you take blood thinners. Watch for bleeding from your gums or nose. Watch for blood in your urine and bowel movements. Use a soft washcloth on your skin, and a soft toothbrush to brush your teeth. This can keep your skin and gums from bleeding. If you shave, use an electric shaver. Do not play contact sports.
- Tell your dentist and other healthcare providers that you take anticoagulants. Wear a bracelet or necklace that says you take this medicine.
- Do not start or stop any medicines unless your healthcare provider tells you to. Many medicines cannot be used with blood thinners.
- Tell your healthcare provider right away if you forget to take the medicine, or if you take too much.
- Warfarin is a blood thinner that you may need to take. The following are things you should be aware of if you take warfarin.
- Foods and medicines can affect the amount of warfarin in your blood. Do not make major changes to your diet while you take warfarin. Warfarin works best when you eat about the same amount of vitamin K every day. Vitamin K is found in green leafy vegetables and certain other foods. Ask for more information about what to eat when you are taking warfarin.
- You will need to see your healthcare provider for follow-up visits when you are on warfarin. You will need regular blood tests. These tests are used to decide how much medicine you need.
- Cardioversion is a procedure to return your heart rate and rhythm to normal. This is done with medicine or an electrical shock.
- Cardiac ablation is a procedure that uses heat energy to correct your irregular heartbeat. Ask for more information on cardiac ablation.
- Surgery may be needed to put in a pacemaker or an implanted cardioverter defibrillator (ICD). These will help control your heart rate and rhythm.
How can I manage atrial flutter? - Know your target heart rate. Learn how to take your pulse and monitor your heart rate.
- Control your blood pressure. Take your blood pressure medicine as directed.
- Do not smoke. Nicotine and other chemicals in cigarettes and cigars can cause heart and lung damage. Ask your healthcare provider for information if you currently smoke and need help to quit. E-cigarettes or smokeless tobacco still contain nicotine. Talk to your healthcare provider before you use these products.
- Limit alcohol. Women should limit alcohol to 1 drink a day. Men should limit alcohol to 2 drinks a day. A drink of alcohol is 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine, or 1½ ounces of liquor.
- Eat heart-healthy foods. These include fruits, vegetables, whole-grain breads, low-fat dairy products, beans, lean meats, and fish. Replace butter and margarine with heart-healthy oils such as olive oil and canola oil.
- Maintain a healthy weight. Ask your healthcare provider how much you should weigh. Ask him to help you create a weight loss plan if you are overweight.
Call 911 for any of the following: - You have any of the following signs of a heart attack:
- Squeezing, pressure, or pain in your chest that lasts longer than 5 minutes or returns
- Discomfort or pain in your back, neck, jaw, stomach, or arm
- Trouble breathing
- Nausea or vomiting
- Lightheadedness or a sudden cold sweat, especially with chest pain or trouble breathing
- You have any of the following signs of a stroke:
- Numbness or drooping on one side of your face
- Weakness in an arm or leg
- Confusion or difficulty speaking
- Dizziness, a severe headache, or vision loss
When should I seek immediate care? You have any of the following signs of a blood clot: - You feel lightheaded, are short of breath, and have chest pain.
- You cough up blood.
- You have swelling, redness, pain, or warmth in your arm or leg.
When should I contact my healthcare provider? - Your heart rate is higher or lower than your healthcare provider says it should be.
- You are bruising and bleeding more easily.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
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