Afib condition, the electrical impulses to the heart are way chaotic and unorganized that makes it more serious. Although both conditions are very similar, with Atrial Flutter, the electrical impulses are irregular but still organized.The symptoms of Atrial Flutter are less severe and easily controlled as compared to Afib. ![]() A person suffering from Atrial Flutter can, if not treated, effectively develop Afib. Atrial Flutter is a less severe heart condition than Afib.Atrial flutter is a heart condition in which the rhythm of the heart is abnormal and irregular wherein Atrial Fibrillation is a condition when the heart beats at a very fast pace, the rhythm is normal but the pace is very fast.Here is a comprehensive list explaining the major differences: ![]() How are they different?Īs mentioned, they are both forms of abnormality of the heart. Atrial Fibrillation is also known as Afib. Both are forms of abnormality of the heart. To simplify in an easy way is that both of these terms refer to heart conditions that are somewhat common. Avoid binge drinking.What is Atrial Fibrillation and Atrial Flutter? Talk to your health care provider about steps to treat conditions that cause atrial fibrillation/flutter. It may come back even with treatment.Ĭlots that break off and travel to the brain can cause a stroke.Ĭall your health care provider if you have symptoms of atrial fibrillation or flutter. Many people with atrial fibrillation do very well.Ītrial fibrillation tends to return and get worse. Treatment can often control this disorder. You may need a heart pacemaker after this procedure.Īll people with atrial fibrillation will need to learn how to manage this condition at home. Your doctor will consider your age and other medical problems when deciding which drug is best.Ī procedure called radiofrequency ablation can be used to destroy areas in your heart where the heart rhythm problems originate. Antiplatelet drugs such as aspirin or clopidogrel may also be prescribed. These drugs increase the chance of bleeding, so not everyone can use them. They include heparin, warfarin (Coumadin), apixaban (Eliquis), rivaroxaban (Xarelto), and dabigatran (Pradaxa). Atrial fibrillation returns in many people even while taking these medicines.īlood thinners are medicines that are used to reduce the risk of developing a blood clot traveling in the body (such as a stroke). These drugs work well in many people, but they can have serious side effects. Prevent atrial fibrillation from coming back. These drugs may include beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, and digoxin. ![]() These treatments may be done as an emergency, or planned ahead of time.ĭaily medicines taken by mouth are used to: Tests to study the heart’s electrical systemĬardioversion treatment is used to get the heart back into a normal rhythm right away. Tests to examine the blood supply of the heart muscle The monitor records the heart’s rhythms over a period of time.Įchocardiogram (ultrasound imaging of the heart) If your abnormal heart rhythm comes and goes, you may need to wear a special monitor to diagnose the problem. Blood pressure may be normal or low.Īn ECG (a test that records the electrical activity of the heart) may show atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter. In atrial fibrillation/flutter the heart rate may be 100 – 175. Your pulse may feel fast, uneven, or both. The health care provider may hear a fast heartbeat while listening to your heart with a stethoscope. Sensation of feeling the heart beat ( palpitations) Pulse that feels rapid, racing, pounding, fluttering, irregular, or too slow This is because atrial fibrillation may stop or start on its own. You may not be aware that your heart is not beating in a normal pattern. Overactive thyroid gland ( hyperthyroidism) Heart valve disease (most often the mitral valve) They become more common with increasing age.Ĭommon causes of atrial fibrillation include: These problems can affect both men and women. In atrial flutter, the ventricles (lower heart chambers) may beat very rapidly, but in a regular pattern. Parts of the heart cannot contract in an organized pattern.Īs a result, the heart cannot pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs. These signals help your heart pump the right amount of blood for your body’s needs. The electrical signal that tells your heart to contract begins in an area called the sinoatrial node (also called the sinus node or SA node). When working well, the four chambers of the heart contract (squeeze) in an organized way. The heart rhythm is fast and irregular in this condition. ![]() Atrial Fibrillation or flutter is a common type of abnormal heartbeat.
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