Heart flutter vs afib7/25/2023 The pattern on your ECG is typical and importantly, the location of the short circuitry in the atrium is fixed and singular. So although the electrical activity is abnormal, it is predictable. Alternatively, atrial flutter occurs because of a single ‘short circuit’ that overdrives the normal heartbeat. Especially in long-standing AF, the triggers can be all over the atrium chambers and it can be difficult to know where to treat. This is what can make it challenging to treat with ablation. It’s unpredictable and changes beat-to-beat. Both can be managed with rate control tablets (like bisoprolol or verapamil) or rhythm control (like electrical cardioversion).Ītrial Fibrillation originates from chaotic electrical activity in the atrium that overdrives the normal heartbeat. Both can increase your risk of stroke and may warrant blood thinners. And it’s important as a patient to know this, so you can receive the right treatments.įrom the outside, the similarities are clear- both can cause debilitating palpitations, shortness of breath, and lightheadedness. But from an electrophysiologist’s (a cardiologist specialising in heart rhythm disorders) perspective- there are some very important differences. I used the term 'little brother' above in jest- Atrial flutter can be equally debilitating as atrial fibrillation and also carries similar risks.īoth, atrial flutter and atrial fibrillation are abnormal, often fast, heart rhythm disorders that have a lot in common.
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