Atrial fibrillation/flutter is a heart rhythm disorder (arrhythmia). It is a rapid heart rate, in which the upper heart chambers (atria) are stimulated to contract in a very disorganized and abnormal manner.
Causes
Arrhythmias are caused by a disruption of the normal functioning of the electrical conduction system of the heart. Normally, the atria and ventricles contract in a coordinated manner.
In atrial fibrillation and flutter, the atria are stimulated to contract very quickly and differently from the normal activity originating from the sinoatrial node. This results in ineffective and uncoordinated contraction of the atria in atrial fibrillation, and in a peculiarly organized contraction pattern in atrial flutter.
In atrial fibrillation, the ventricles beat rapidly and irregulary. If the atrial fibrillation/flutter is part of a condition called sick sinus syndrome, the ventricles may beat more slowly than normal. Thus, during atrial fibrillation the ventricles, by beating too fast or too slow, may fail to pump enough blood to meet the needs of the body.
Underlying causes of atrial fibrillation and flutter include hypertension, hereditary atrial fibrillation, dysfunction of the sinus node (the "natural pacemaker" of the heart), coronary artery disease, rheumatic heart disease, mitral valve disorders, pericarditis, and others.
Hyperthyroidism, and other diseases can cause arrhythmias, as can recent heavy alcohol use (binge drinking). Some cases of atrial fibrillation or flutter occur in the setting of a heart attack or soon after surgery on the heart.
Atrial fibrillation can affect both men and women. The prevalence of atrial fibrillation increases with age and varies from 1 case out of 200 persons for people younger than 60 years, to almost 9 cases out of 100 persons for people over 80 years.
Symptoms
Note: Symptoms may begin and/or stop suddenly.
Signs and tests
Listening to the heart with a stethoscope shows an irregular rhythm. The pulse may feel rapid, irregular, or both. Sometimes the pulse is too slow. The normal heart rate is 60 to 100, but in atrial fibrillation/flutter the heart rate may be 100 to 175. Blood pressure may be high, normal or low.
An ECG shows atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter. Continuous ambulatory cardiac monitoring -- Holter monitor (24 hour test or event monitoring -- may be necessary because the condition is often sporadic (occurring at some times but not others).
Tests to determine the presence of underlying heart diseases may include:
Treatment
In certain cases, atrial fibrillation may require emergency treatment to convert the arrhythmia to normal (sinus) rhythm, either with electrical cardioversion or with the administration of intravenous drugs, such as dofetilide or ibutilide.
Long-term treatment varies depending on the patient and must be individualized. One approach is to control (slow) the heart rate and allow the fibrillation to persist (rate control). Another approach is to prevent the fibrillation using drugs, catheter ablation or surgery (rhythm control). Rate control medications may include beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, digitalis or other medications which slow the heartbeat by slowing conduction of the impulse from the atria to the ventricles. Medications to prevent atrial fibrillation (rhythm control using medications called anti-arrhythmic drugs) are sometimes effective but do carry a risk of side effects.
Some patients with atrial fibrillation, rapid heart rates, and intolerance to medication may benefit from a catheter procedure on the atria called radiofrequency ablation to cure the fibrillation. For most patients with atrial flutter, radiofrequency ablation is the current treatment of choice.
Other patients with atrial fibrillation and rapid heart rates may need the radiofrequency ablation done not on the atria, but directly on the AV junction (i.e., the area that normally filters the impulses coming from the atria before they proceed to the ventricles). Ablation of the AV junction leads to complete heart block. These patients then require a permanent pacemaker. This is often a last resort procedure to treat fibrillation.
Both atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter can increase the risk of stroke. Medications may also include blood thinners, such as heparin or coumadin, to reduce the risk of a thromboembolic event such as a stroke.
Expectations (prognosis)
The disorder is usually controllable with treatment. The natural tendency of atrial fibrillation, however, is to become a chronic condition.
Complications
Calling your health care provider:
Call your health care provider if symptoms indicate atrial fibrillation or flutter may be present.
Prevention
Follow the health care provider's recommendations for the treatment of underlying disorders. Avoid binge drinking.
Normal Sinus Rhythm.
Atrial Fibrillation.