Atrial Flutter

• Abnormal characterized by a rapid atrial rate of approximately 300 per minute and a ventricular rate a factor of 300, most notably 150 bpm
• Often presents in patients with a heart disease, e.g., cardiomyopathy, valvular heart disease and pericardial disease
• Often co-exist with atrial fibrillation
• Typical atrial flutter is dependent on the cavotricuspid isthmus (CPI) which is a target for ablation therapy

Signs and Symptoms

• Similar to AF e.g., palpitations, weakness, fatigue, dyspnoea, lightheadedness
• Signs: tachycardia
• Signs of co-morbid heart disease e.g. heart failure and pericardial diseases

Investigation

• 12-lead ECG showing sawtooth pattern atrial waves

Management

• Same as AF (see Atrial Fibrillation)
• Often amenable to radiofrequency ablation; hence, long-term rhythm control, rate control or thromboprophylaxis is not required

Reference: UpToDate - Atrial Flutter