A look at the differences and similarities
Atrial flutterandatrial fibrillation (AFib)are both heartarrhythmias.
These conditions cause problems with the way your heart beats.
They affect theelectrical signalsthat help your heart beat at a normal rate and rhythm.
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In atrial flutter, the atria beat at a faster but normal rate.
In AFib, the atria beat at a faster but chaotic rate.
Both problems increase your risk of stroke.
While they have common symptoms, atrial flutter is less common than AFib.
This article describes how atrial flutter and AFib differ and how they are the same.
It includes symptoms, causes, treatment, and long-term outlook.
These waves produce a sawtooth pattern showing atrial activation.
Asymptomatic Clues and Symptoms
Asymptomatic atrial flutter can occur even if you have an abnormal heart rate.
Research indicates AFib rarely develops without being preceded by atrial flutter.
In some people, atrial flutter coexists with AFib (alternating from one to the other).
This can be achieved through the use of medication, devices, and/or surgery.
This minimally invasive procedure uses thin electrodes that are threaded up the large veins in your groin.
This destroys the heart muscle cells at the source of the problem and restores normal heart rhythm.
External cardioversion:Externalcardioversionis the delivery of high-energy shocks through defibrillator pads attached to your chest.
For some people, this effect can also be achieved using medication.
Internal cardioversion:Internal cardioversion is infrequently used.
It is the delivery of a low-energy electrical shock internally in your heart.
Internal cardioversion is typically used when external cardioversion and medications have failed to return your heart rhythm to normal.
Lifestyle changes can support the long-term management of these conditions and promote heart health.
It also poses a lower stroke risk than AFib.
However, atrial flutter should not be ignored.
If the condition is not cured, medications can often manage your condition.
Atrial Fibrillation
Without treatment, disease progression can make the problem more serious.
However, most people do not die from AFib but instead succumb to complications of the condition.
The problems that contribute to the highest mortality rates include stroke, heart disease, and heart failure.
Summary
Atrial flutter and AFib are conditions that cause problems with the way your heart beats.
They trigger messages that prevent your heart from having a normal heart rate.
While atrial flutter can be cured, AFib remains a lifelong issue.
These problems are linked because atrial flutter often precedes AFib.
Some people have both problems at the same time.
As a result, they involve many of the same symptoms and treatments.
Early diagnosis and treatment are the best ways to prevent long-term problems and disease progress.
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