![]() The tests show how the heart reacts to exercise. These tests often involve walking on a treadmill or pedaling a stationary bike while the heart is monitored. This test can show how blood flows through the heart and heart valves. Sound waves are used to create images of the beating heart. For example, you may need one if you've had an unexplained stroke. Sometimes it's used to find rare episodes of AFib in those at high risk of the heart problem. It may be used to see how often you have an AFib episode. The device shows how the heart is beating while you do your daily activities. It's also called a cardiac event recorder. This device records the heartbeat continuously for up to three years. Some devices automatically record when an irregular heart rhythm is detected. You usually push a button when you feel symptoms. This device is like a Holter monitor, but it records only at certain times for a few minutes at a time. It's worn for a day or two while you do your regular activities. ![]() This small, portable ECG device records the heart's activity. It's the main test for diagnosing atrial fibrillation. An ECG can show the heart rhythm and how slow or fast the heart is beating. Wires connect the electrodes to a computer, which prints or displays the test results. Sticky patches called electrodes are placed on the chest and sometimes the arms and legs. This quick and painless test measures the electrical activity of the heart. Blood tests are done to look for health conditions or substances that may affect the heart or heartbeat. In this procedure, a surgeon will thread a catheter to your heart and use radio wave energy to create scar tissue that blocks the abnormal electrical pathways involved in atrial flutter.Tests to diagnose atrial fibrillation (AFib) may include: Blood thinners (anticoagulants) or aspirin can help reduce your risk of blood clots.Ī procedure called electrical cardioversion - in which you’re given a brief, low-power electrical shock through your chest while under anesthesia - is often used to restore a normal sinus heart rhythm.Īlthough this treatment is effective, people often experience a return of arrhythmia at some point in the future.Īntiarrhythmic medication, such as sodium-channel or potassium-channel blockers, may help restore a normal rhythm or maintain normal rhythm after electrical cardioversion.Īlternatively, your doctor may advise radio frequency ablation to convert an atrial flutter to normal sinus rhythm. Several classes of medication can help slow your heart rate, including beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, and digoxin. Treatment of atrial flutter focuses on slowing the heart rate, reducing the risk of stroke, and converting the flutter to a normal rhythm driven by the sinus node. If an EKG shows that you have atrial flutter (shown by the “sawtooth” pattern), your doctor may also conduct an ultrasound of your heart (echocardiogram) to evaluate your heart and spot any blood clots. These clots can travel to the brain and block an artery, causing a stroke or a cold arm or leg if, for example, the clots travel to a major artery in your limbs.Īlso, in people with atrial flutter, the ventricles don’t completely fill with blood and may not pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs, resulting in heart failure.Ītrial flutter is diagnosed based on your medical and family history, a physical exam, and an EKG, according to the Merck Manual. Blood moves more slowly through the heart and may stagnate, allowing small blood clots to form. Some people don’t experience any symptoms from atrial flutter.Īlthough the heart beats more rapidly in people with atrial flutter, it doesn’t fully contract, and the atria don’t empty completely into the ventricles. Lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting.Palpitations (racing, pounding, or fluttering of the heart).Atrial Flutter Symptoms and ComplicationsĪside from a rapid heart rate, symptoms of atrial flutter include the following, according to the Heart Rhythm Society and MedlinePlus:
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