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- This is an abnormal heartbeat in
which the atrial portion of the heart beats at 250-350
beats/minute. The rate transmitted to the ventricular
portion is less, transmitted at a ratio defined by the
atrial rate. For example, there may be one ventricular
contraction for every, two atrial contractions (i.e., if the
atrial rate is 300, the ventricular rate will be 150 if the
flutter rate is 2:1).
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- Heart racing
- Palpitations
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Lightheadedness
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- Pulse rate is faster in even ratios,
than that heard over the heart with a stethoscope.
- Electrocardiogram
(EKG) shows classic "flutter" waves.
- A chest X-Ray or Echocardiogram may be
performed to look for an underlying
cause.
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- Acute (rapid onset) atrial flutter-the medication Ibutilide
converts 50-70% of the cases back to
sinus rhythm. Electrical cardioversion
(synchronized) is very effective at low energy doses.
- Chronic (long-standing) atrial flutter -- electrical cardioversion (synchronized) is effective at low doses, but the individual should be anticoagulated (placed on the blood thinner Coumadin) beforehand,
because another heart arrythmia known as atrial fibrillation
may be occurring intermittently. Atrial fibrillation can
cause the build up of blood clots on the heart valves and in
the atrium of the heart. After cardioversion (without blood
thinners to prevent them) the clots may be released and go
to the brain and cause a
stroke.
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- Seek immediate emergency medical
treatment (call 911 in the
U.S.)
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- Sinus tachycardia
- Atrial fibrillation
- Ventricular tachycardia
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