Occasional Afib Flutter

You need to reduce stroke risk if you want to have the best atrial fibrillation prognosis. But with the right treatment plan, you can live a long healthy life with Afib.

A Fib& Atrial Flutter. While I'm not entirely palp free, I still will feel occasional palps and pvcs, but not merely the amount pre surgery. My heart rate is. Occasional atrial fibrillation and metaprolol question Lorne675. I had my first episode of atrial fibrillation at the end of August. I had two beer that evening and went to bed. Shortly afterwards felt my heart.

When doctors use the word 'prognosis,' they’re talking about your health outcome. So, your atrial fibrillation prognosis is a prediction of how well you will be able to live with and manage your condition. The answer for most people with atrial fibrillation? You should be able to live an active, normal life. However, there's a significant risk that can get in the way of that.

The biggest threat to a good prognosis with atrial fibrillation — or Afib — is having a stroke, and Afib increases your stroke risk considerably. Stroke is more likely to occur when you have atrial fibrillation because the upper chambers of the heart are beating very quickly and irregularly, and a clot can form in the upper chambers, break free, and travel to the brain. 'The most important issue in atrial fibrillation is to reduce stroke risk,' says John A. Scherschel, MD, assistant professor of medicine at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha.

Occasional Afib Flutter Icd 10

Stroke Risk Factors for Atrial Fibrillation

Your atrial fibrillation prognosis depends on many variables, including your age, the type of Afib you have, how you respond to treatment, and other medical conditions you have. The symptoms of atrial fibrillation can last for a few hours, a few days, or be permanent. If you have persistent or permanent Afib, you may need more aggressive treatment.

When it comes to stroke prevention, your doctor will want to know about your stroke risk factors — things that increase your chance of having a stroke with atrial fibrillation. They include:

• Being older than 75
• Having congestive heart failure
• Having high blood pressure
• Having diabetes
• Having already had a stroke

The more of these risk factors you have, the greater your risk for stroke. Your doctor may use a scoring system for stroke risk: If you have no risk factors, your score is zero, meaning you have a stroke risk of less than 2 percent; if you have all the risk factors, your stroke risk could be close to 20 percent.

'The common way we reduce the risk of stroke is with anticoagulants, or blood thinners,' says Dr. Scherschel. Depending on your stroke risk factors, your unique treatment plan for stroke reduction may include lifestyle changes, aspirin, anticoagulants, or surgery. Be sure to check in with your doctor regularly to make sure that your treatment plan is working the way that it should to help prevent stroke and improve your atrial fibrillation prognosis.

Lifestyle Changes to Improve Your Afib Prognosis

No matter what treatment plan you and your doctor decide on to reduce your stroke risk and improve your atrial fibrillation prognosis, there are other important steps that you can take:

• Work with your doctor to manage controllable risk factors like high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and diabetes.
• Keep all your medical appointments and check in with your doctor if there are any changes in your symptoms.
• Check with your doctor before taking over-the-counter medications, especially herbal supplements and cold or flu medications that could have cardiovascular side effects.
• Eat a healthy diet that avoids saturated fat, limits salt, and includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Get exercise on a regular basis.
• Only drink alcohol in moderation.
• Don't smoke.

Atrial fibrillation is the most common abnormal heart rhythm among U.S. residents. But with the right treatment plan for Afib, you can live a long and healthy life. Working with your doctor to reduce stroke risk is the most important thing you can do to make sure you have a good prognosis with atrial fibrillation.

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Professional Reference articles are designed for health professionals to use. They are written by UK doctors and based on research evidence, UK and European Guidelines. You may find one of our health articles more useful.

Treatment of almost all medical conditions has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. NICE has issued rapid update guidelines in relation to many of these. This guidance is changing frequently. Please visit https://www.nice.org.uk/covid-19 to see if there is temporary guidance issued by NICE in relation to the management of this condition, which may vary from the information given below.

Atrial flutter is one of the more common atrial arrhythmias (supraventricular arrhythmias). Many patients with atrial flutter have associated atrial fibrillation. There are many similarities in clinical presentation and management, and indeed the guideline from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) makes hardly a distinction, stating the guideline for atrial fibrillation applies to patients with atrial flutter, specifying a particular management in the latter only in one sentence^[1]. European and American guidelines cover the conditions separately although there, much of the management is the same^{[2, 3]}. Both arrhythmias can cause clinical symptoms such as palpitations, syncope and fatigue, and are associated with a risk of thrombus formation and thromboembolism.

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See also the separate Atrial Fibrillation article.

Pathophysiology^{[2, 4]}

Atrial flutter is characterised by an abnormal and rapid heart rhythm.. There is typically an atrial rate of around 300 beats per minute (bpm) and a ventricular rate that may be fixed or be variable. Atrial flutter is a macro-reentrant tachycardia and can be classed as typical or atypical atrial flutter depending upon the origin. Flutter waves are seen on ECG. Like atrial fibrillation, it can be paroxysmal or persistent.

• In typical atrial flutter the rhythm has its origin in the right atrium at the level of the tricuspid valve. This is also called cavotricuspid isthmus (CTI) or common atrial flutter. The ECG pattern shows regular mainly negative atrial deflections in the inferior leads with a 'saw-tooth pattern' at rates of 240-350 bpm per minute.
• In atypical atrial flutter, the origin is elsewhere in the right atrium or the left atrium. Various circuits have been described. This is also called non-cavotricuspid isthmus-dependent atrial flutter. ECG patterns are variable and there may be faster atrial rates than in typical flutter.

Epidemiology^{[2, 4]}

Occasional Afib Flutter Symptoms

• Atrial flutter is less common than atrial fibrillation, but epidemiology is less well studied. It is one tenth as common as atrial fibrillation^[5].
• It is the second most common arrhythmia after atrial fibrillation.
• Atrial flutter is commonly associated with atrial fibrillation. On presentation the two often alternate. Around 50% of those presenting with atrial flutter alone are said to develop atrial fibrillation within the next eight years.
• The prevalence increases with age. With an ageing population, it is becoming increasingly common.
• Atrial flutter is more common in men, with males accounting for 80% of cases.
• Systemic embolism is less common than it is in atrial fibrillation (occurring about 30% as frequently). There is no difference if there is associated atrial fibrillation.

Occasional Afib Flutter

Aetiology^{[2, 6]}

Age is the most important risk factor. Structural abnormalities are also a strong risk factor, with left atrial dilatation possibly one of the strongest predicting factors for the likely development of atrial flutter. This explains many of the associations below.

• Coronary heart disease.
• Atrial dilation due to septal defects, pulmonary emboli, mitral or tricuspid valve dysfunction or chronic ventricular failure.
• Cardiac surgery and ablation procedures.
• Hypertension.
• Obesity.
• Alcohol abuse.
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
• Cardiomyopathy.
• Atrial myxoma.
• Pericarditis.
• Sick sinus syndrome, cardiac conduction pre-excitation syndromes - eg, Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome.
• Thyrotoxicosis, phaeochromocytoma, electrolyte imbalance.
• Obstructive sleep apnoea.
• Very high-intensity sports.

Afib Flutter Ablation

One study found use of non-aspirin non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) - particularly new use - has been found to be associated with a 40-70% increased relative risk of developing atrial flutter or fibrillation^[7]. Other studies in the literature seem to relate to atrial fibrillation but a later meta-analysis found a 12% increased risk associated with NSAID use^[8].

Presentation

It may be asymptomatic but can present in a variety of ways. Initial presentation varies from a coincidental ECG finding to being in extremis with heart failure or embolic stroke.

• May present with ECG findings of atrial flutter.
• Mild symptoms include palpitations, irregular heartbeat, fatigue, dyspnoea, chest pain, dizziness.
• Syncope.
• Heart failure.
• Thromboembolism with transient ischaemic attacks or stroke.
• Pulse may be irregular or regular, but is usually rapid. Arteriovenous conduction is usually 2:1, making the ventricular rate approximately 150 bpm. 1:1 atrioventricular (AV) conduction may lead to haemodynamic collapse. Carotid massage may decrease the ventricular rate.
• Atrial flutter waves may be present in the jugular venous pulse.
• May be associated with signs of underlying causes - eg, thyrotoxicosis, alcoholism, pericarditis, valvular dysfunction or septal heart defects.
• Heart failure, hypotension and respiratory distress may be present.

Differential diagnosis

This includes other supraventricular tachyarrhythmias such as:

• Atrial fibrillation.
• Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome.

Investigations

Further assessment is focused on identifying any specific underlying cause and an assessment of cardiac function:

• Electrocardiogram:
  • The common form of typical atrial flutter has saw-tooth flutter waves, best seen in leads II, III, and aVF, with atrial rates of 240-340 bpm^[9].
    
  • The ventricular response may be regular or irregular.
  • Variable AV conduction can also be seen (commonly present with 2:1 or 3:1 AV conduction).
  • May be normal if paroxysmal and between episodes of atrial flutter. Ambulatory ECG monitoring and event recorders may be required.
• Investigations for associated causes: CXR, TFTs, FBC, ESR, renal function and LFTs.
• Echocardiogram:
  • To evaluate underlying cardiac function, structural abnormalities, evidence of coronary artery disease or pericardial fluid.
  • If immediate cardioversion is considered, it is also used to detect any thrombus formation. A transoesophageal echocardiogram is ideal so the atrial appendage can be viewed to exclude thrombus there.

Management^{[1, 2]}

Treatment shares similar goals to that of atrial fibrillation, including rate control, rhythm control, and prevention of thromboembolism. Rate control is usually achieved with cardioversion or medications. The preferred therapy for recurrent or persistent atrial flutter is considered to be radiofrequency catheter ablation.

• Treatment of underlying conditions - eg, hyperthyroidism, alcoholism, obesity. After the initial episode is terminated and the underlying disease is treated, the patient may not need any further intervention except avoidance of the precipitating factor (eg, alcohol, caffeine).
• If haemodynamically unstable: urgent rate control or cardioversion is required.
• Adequate anticoagulation has been shown to decrease thromboembolic complications in patients with persistent or paroxysmal atrial flutter and in patients who are undergoing cardioversion. Patients with atrial flutter are anticoagulated in the same way as for atrial fibrillation. See the separate Atrial Fibrillation article for details.

Catheter radiofrequency ablation

• Catheter ablation is suggested as the first-line therapy in patients with atrial flutter and normal or mildly enlarged left atrial size. The success rate of radiofrequency catheter ablation for atrial flutter is 90-95%^[10].
• It has been shown to have a higher success rate, better quality of life, lower occurrence of atrial fibrillation and less need for hospital re-admission when compared with pharmacological treatment.
• Typical atrial flutter is amenable to cure with catheter ablation. Atypical flutter is potentially curable with catheter-based techniques but is more difficult.

Electrical cardioversion

• External electrical cardioversion is safe and effective.
• If the atrial flutter has persisted for more than 48 hours then adequate anticoagulation is required before cardioversion to avoid the complication of emboli.

Pharmacological cardioversion

• A number of agents are used to try to restore sinus rhythm. Some options include amiodarone, beta-blockers (such as sotalol, metoprolol, carvedilol), calcium-channel blockers (verapamil, diltiazem), digoxin, Class IA agents (procainamide, quinidine, and disopyramide), and Class IC (flecainide, propafenone).
• Ibutilide and dofetilide, which are able to achieve very rapid cardioversion, are not currently available in the UK.

Ventricular rate control

• Rate control should not be used as the first-line strategy for people with with atrial flutter whose condition is considered suitable for an ablation strategy to restore sinus rhythm .
• Rate control is usually more difficult for atrial flutter than for atrial fibrillation. However, rate control is less likely than rhythm control to make the arrhythmia worse.
• Ventricular rate control can be achieved with agents that block the AV node. Calcium-channel blockers (eg, verapamil, diltiazem), beta-blockers, digoxin and amiodarone can be used.

Pacemaker

• Pacemakers are occasionally used where pharmacological agents and ablation have failed.
• In some situations - eg, after cardiac surgery - overdrive atrial pacing may be required for acute control of atrial flutter.

Prevention of thromboembolism

• Patients with atrial flutter should be given antithrombotic therapy in the same manner as those with atrial fibrillation. The CHA₂DS₂-VASc stroke risk score should be used to assess stroke risk and the HAS-BLED score to assess bleeding risk in people with atrial flutter^{[11, 12]}. See the separate Atrial Fibrillation article for details.
• Adequate anticoagulation has been shown to decrease thromboembolic complications in patients with chronic atrial flutter and in patients undergoing cardioversion.
• Long-term anticoagulation is therefore advised for patients with persistent or paroxysmal atrial flutter where stroke risk is considered significant when balanced against bleeding risk as per the details in the Atrial Fibrillation article. Briefly, consider anticoagulation where the CHA₂DS₂-VASc score is 1 or more in men, and 2 or more in women, having taken bleeding risk into account.
• After successful catheter ablation, if sinus rhythm is still present, NICE guidance suggests anticoagulation should be continued indefinitely. European guidelines state this question is less clear in the absence of any history of atrial fibrillation.
• Cardioversion of atrial flutter presents similar risks to cardioversion of atrial fibrillation and therefore requires similar anticoagulation. See the separate Atrial Fibrillation article.

Complications

• Heart failure; acute atrial flutter can impair cardiac function, lower blood pressure, and initiate myocardial ischaemia.
• Thromboembolism (transient ischaemic attacks and stroke). Systemic embolism is less commonly associated with atrial flutter than with atrial fibrillation, but is still a significant risk. One study showed the annual incidence of ischaemic stroke to be 1.38%^[13].
• Tachycardia-induced cardiomyopathy.
• Persistent untreated atrial flutter can become chronic atrial fibrillation.

Prognosis

• Atrial flutter leads to an increased overall mortality.
• It often converts within one week to normal sinus rhythm or atrial fibrillation but can occasionally persist for weeks or months.

Prevention

• Effective prevention and management of potential causes - eg, hypertension, obesity, excessive alcohol intake, hyperthyroidism and obstructive sleep apnoea.

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• Markowitz SM, Thomas G, Liu CF, et al; Atrial Tachycardias and Atypical Atrial Flutters: Mechanisms and Approaches to Ablation. Arrhythm Electrophysiol Rev. 2019 Mar8(2):131-137. doi: 10.15420/aer.2019.17.2.

1. Management of atrial fibrillation; NICE Clinical Guideline (June 2014)

2. Katritsis DG, Boriani G, Cosio FG, et al; European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA) consensus document on the management of supraventricular arrhythmias, endorsed by Heart Rhythm Society (HRS), Asia-Pacific Heart Rhythm Society (APHRS), and Sociedad Latinoamericana de Estimulacion Cardiaca y Electrofisiologia (SOLAECE). Europace. 2017 Mar 119(3):465-511. doi: 10.1093/europace/euw301.

3. Page RL, Joglar JA, Caldwell MA, et al; 2015 ACC/AHA/HRS Guideline for the Management of Adult Patients With Supraventricular Tachycardia: A Report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on Clinical Practice Guidelines and the Heart Rhythm Society. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2016 Apr 567(13):e27-e115. doi: 10.1016/j.jacc.2015.08.856. Epub 2015 Sep 24.

4. Rodriguez Ziccardi M, Maani CV; Atrial Flutter. StatPearls Publishing 2019 Apr 20.

5. Bun SS, Latcu DG, Marchlinski F, et al; Atrial flutter: more than just one of a kind. Eur Heart J. 2015 Sep 1436(35):2356-63. doi: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehv118. Epub 2015 Apr 2.

6. Shah SR, Luu SW, Calestino M, et al; Management of atrial fibrillation-flutter: uptodate guideline paper on the current evidence. J Community Hosp Intern Med Perspect. 2018 Oct 158(5):269-275. doi: 10.1080/20009666.2018.1514932. eCollection 2018.

7. Schmidt M, Christiansen CF, Mehnert F, et al; Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug use and risk of atrial fibrillation or flutter: population based case-control study. BMJ. 2011 Jul 4343:d3450. doi: 10.1136/bmj.d3450.

8. Liu G, Yan YP, Zheng XX, et al; Meta-analysis of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug use and risk of atrial fibrillation. Am J Cardiol. 2014 Nov 15114(10):1523-9. doi: 10.1016/j.amjcard.2014.08.015. Epub 2014 Aug 27.

9. Atrial Flutter with 2:1 AV conduction; ECG library

10. Lee G, Sanders P, Kalman JM; Catheter ablation of atrial arrhythmias: state of the art. Lancet. 2012 Oct 27380(9852):1509-19. doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(12)61463-9.

11. CHA2DS2-VASc Score - Stroke Risk in Atrial Fibrillation; MDCalc Online Calculator

12. HAS-BLED Score for Major Bleeding Risk; MDCalc On Line Calculator

13. Al-Kawaz M, Omran SS, Parikh NS, et al; Comparative Risks of Ischemic Stroke in Atrial Flutter versus Atrial Fibrillation. J Stroke Cerebrovasc Dis. 2018 Apr27(4):839-844. doi: 10.1016/j.jstrokecerebrovasdis.2017.10.025. Epub 2017 Dec 6.

Hey allRecently being diagnosed with paroxysmal fast atrial fibrillation. My heart goes irregular and fast for a few hours (180bpm) then reverts back to normal sinus rhythm. I'm only 29, so it's kind...

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