Atrial flutter is a fast and regular rhythm caused by a small, tight circle of electrical activity in the heart’s upper chamber. Treatment options for atrial flutter are similar to those for atrial fibrillation. Those options include: • Medication to slow the heart rate combined with an anticoagulant drug (“blood thinner”) to prevent a stroke • Cardioversion, which attempts to return heart rhythm back to normal with either an electric shock or medication • Ablation with radiofrequency waves, heat or freezing to interrupt the circle of electrical activity
Atrial flutter is a type of abnormal heart rhythm. You can help prevent atrial flutter in the same way people can help prevent atrial fibrillation. This includes taking measures to keep you heart healthy: • Avoiding or limiting alcohol use • Not smoking • Maintaining normal blood pressure • Eating a healthy diet • Maintaining a healthy body weight • Staying physically active. But even if you do all of these things regularly, atrial flutter and atrial fibrillation can occur, especially as grow older.
→ Learn more about atrial flutter: See the causes, symptoms, treatment options and more.
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