How is atrial flutter diagnosed?
Diagnosis of atrial flutter begins with a medical history and physical exam. The actual diagnosis is confirmed with an electrocardiogram, or EKG. A healthcare provider diagnoses atrial flutter by examining the person and feeling his or her pulse. The provider also listens to the heart through a stethoscope, checking for the abnormal heartbeats. Since other arrhythmias, or irregular heartbeats, can lead to a fast pulse, the actual diagnosis is confirmed with an electrocardiogram, or ECG.
A more specialized test, known as an electrophysiology study, can also be performed to locate the short circuit in the heart's electrical system. This test involves placing a catheter, or thin tube, through the skin and into an artery in the groin. The catheter is then advanced into the heart to map its electrical activity. |
More information on atrial flutter
What is atrial flutter? - Atrial flutter is a rhythmic, fast rhythm that occurs in the atria of the heart. This rhythm occurs most often in individuals with organic heart disease.
What're the symptoms of atrial flutter? - Symptoms of atrial flutter include regular pulse, low blood pressure, palpitations, shortness of breath, dizziness, or lightheadedness, chest pain.
What're the complications of atrial flutter? - Complications of atrial flutter include clot formation, and sudden death. Sudden death is not directly associated with atrial flutter.
How is atrial flutter diagnosed? - Diagnosis of atrial flutter begins with a medical history and physical exam. The actual diagnosis is confirmed with an electrocardiogram.
What's the treatment for atrial flutter? - For both atrial flutter and atrial fibrillation, the various treatment modalities can be put into two groups: rate control and rhythm control. |
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