In this article, we will discuss the Definition and Causes of Atrial Flutter. So, let’s get started.
Definition
It is a supraventricular arrhythmia characterised by rapid atrial rate (250-350/min) due to intra-atrial re-entry (circus movement), involves commonly the right atrium. The arrhythmia occurs commonly in patients with organic heart disease. Flutter may be paroxysmal induced by pericarditis, acute respiratory failure or it may be persistent. Atrial flutter if lasts for more than a week, it will eventually convert into atrial fibrillation.
Causes
The causes of atrial flutter are more or less same as that of atrial fibrillation with the exception that pericardial disease, severe pulmonary disease commonly lead to atrial flutter than atrial fibrillation.