The Atria are Like "Fuel Injectors" for the Ventricles
Consultant Cardiologist and Atrial Flutter Specialist, Dr Oliver Segal describes how Atrial flutter is an abnormal electrical short circuit that results in a rapid or irregular heartbeat and where it can occurr i.e. in either the left or right atrium of the heart, The atria pump blood to the larger ventricles below - to use a motoring analogy, they are bit a like fuel injectors or carburetors.
The Two Types of Atrial Flutter
Typical Atrial Flutter
The most common type of atrial flutter occurs in the right atrium and is known as typical atrial flutter. It is common from age 40 onwards. Mr Segal says, "This is the same heart rhythm disorder that Tony Blair suffered from in 2004, and he went on to have a curative procedure called ablation."
Clockwise Right Atrial Flutter
The electricity can sometimes rotate in an anti-clockwise direction (known as typical flutter), or a clockwise direction (known as clockwise right atrial flutter). The direction of electricity can be identified and diagnosed on a standard ECG.
Increased Heart Rate causing Palpitations
This means that the atria beat about 300 times per minute – about 4 to 5 times faster than normal. Fortunately, most of the time not all of these signals conduct to the ventricles below, but the heart rate still increases to 150 per minute in healthy hearts. This can cause palpitations, breathlessness, dizziness or even collapse.
Ablation treatment aims to restore a normal heart rhythm, improving heart function and reducing the risk of stroke.
Atrial Flutter Ablation Treatment FAQs
Mr Segal provides expert answers to the following questions:
Who can have Ablation for Atrial Flutter?
What are the Pros and Cons of Atrial Flutter Ablation?
Is Atrial Flutter Ablation New?
Is Pain Relief given if General Anaesthetic is not used?
Is Surgery Required?
Can Ablation be Repeated if unsuccessful the First Time?
Will I need to take Blood Thinning medication after Ablation?
How soon can I do Physical Exercise after Ablation?
