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Atrial Flutter: Care Instructions

Right and left atria of heart, with example of EKG reading of atrial flutter

Overview

Atrial flutter is a type of heartbeat problem (arrhythmia) that usually causes a fast heart rate. In atrial flutter, a problem with the heart's electrical system causes the two upper parts of the heart (the right atrium and the left atrium) to flutter, or beat very fast. Atrial flutter might be diagnosed using an electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG). An ECG translates the heart's electrical activity.

Treating atrial flutter is important to prevent stroke, heart failure, and reduce symptoms you may be having. The change in heartbeat can cause blood clots. The clots can travel from your heart to your brain and cause a stroke. Over time, atrial flutter can also lead to weakening of the heart's pumping function (heart failure).

Although some people may not have any symptoms, atrial flutter can make you feel light-headed, dizzy, and weak.

Atrial flutter is often the result of another heart condition, such as coronary artery disease or heart valve problems. A heart-healthy lifestyle can help you stay healthy and active.

Your doctor may prescribe medicines to help relieve your symptoms, help slow down your heartbeat, or help lower the amount of atrial flutter you have. You may also take medicine to help prevent a stroke. For some people, procedures to stop atrial flutter, electrical cardioversion or catheter ablation, may be recommended.

Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. With follow-up care, most people with atrial flutter are able to live full and active lives. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor or nurse advice line (811 in most provinces and territories) if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.

How can you care for yourself at home?

  • Be safe with medicines.
    • Take your medicines exactly as prescribed. Call your doctor or nurse advice line if you think you are having a problem with your medicine. You will get more details on the specific medicines your doctor prescribes.
    • If your doctor has given you a blood thinner to prevent a stroke, be sure you get instructions about how to take your medicine safely. Blood thinners can cause serious bleeding problems.
    • Do not take any over-the-counter drugs or natural health products without talking to your doctor first.
  • Have a heart-healthy lifestyle.
    • Try to quit or cut back on using tobacco and other nicotine products. This includes smoking and vaping. Smoking can increase your chance of a stroke and heart attack. If you need help quitting, talk to your doctor about stop-smoking programs and medicines. These can increase your chances of quitting for good. Try to avoid second-hand smoke too.
    • Eat heart-healthy foods. These include vegetables, fruits, nuts, beans, lean meat, fish, and whole grains. Limit sodium and sugar.
    • If you drink, try to drink less. Your risk of harm from alcohol is low if you have 2 drinks or less per week. Work with your doctor to find what is best for you.
    • Stay at a weight that's healthy for you. Talk to your doctor if you need help losing weight.
    • Try to get 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night.
    • Manage other health problems such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes. If you think you may have a problem with alcohol or drug use, talk to your doctor.
    • Avoid infections such as COVID-19, colds, and influenza (flu). Get the flu vaccine every year. Get a pneumococcal vaccine shot. If you have had one before, ask your doctor whether you need another dose. Stay up to date on your COVID-19 vaccines.
  • Be active, but be safe.
    • Routine exercise is safe and helps you maintain and improve your heart health. Before you start an exercise routine, talk to your doctor about what type and level of exercise is safe for you. Try to be physically active for 30 minutes of exercise 5 days a week. For many people, walking is a good choice. You also may want to swim, bike, or do other activities.
    • When you exercise, watch for signs that you are exercising too hard. You are pushing too hard if you can't talk while you exercise. If you become short of breath or dizzy or have chest pain, sit down and rest right away.
  • Talk with your healthcare provider about feelings such as worry, anxiety, or depression related to your heart condition. These feelings are normal and getting help is an important part of your overall health.

When should you call for help?

Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:

  • You have symptoms of a stroke. These may include:
    • Sudden numbness, tingling, weakness, or loss of movement in your face, arm, or leg, especially on only one side of your body.
    • Sudden vision changes.
    • Sudden trouble speaking.
    • Sudden confusion or trouble understanding simple statements.
    • Sudden problems with walking or balance.
    • A sudden, severe headache that is different from past headaches.
  • You passed out (lost consciousness).

Call your doctor or nurse advice line now or seek immediate medical care if:

  • You have new or increased shortness of breath.
  • You feel dizzy or light-headed, or you feel like you may faint.
  • You have an episode of atrial flutter and your doctor wants you to call when you have one.
  • You have new or worse symptoms.

Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor or nurse advice line if you have any problems.

Where can you learn more?

Go to https://www.healthwise.net/patientEd

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