Skip to main content

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ATRIAL FLUTTER AND ATRIAL FIBRILLATION?

Atrial flutter and atrial fibrillation are both heart rhythm abnormalities, and both these rhythm abnormalities can cause symptoms of palpitations, shortness of breath and lightheadedness.

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ATRIAL FLUTTER AND ATRIAL FIBRILLATION

Atrial flutter is a regular rhythm that is due to a fixed distance “short circuit” within the right atrial chamber giving an atrial rate of 300 beats per minute (bpm). This typically gives a heart rate which is directly divisible by 300: for example 150bpm, 100bpm, 75bpm, 60bpm, 50bpm. This heart rate profile in such cases normally looks like a straight line – ie with a single heart rate, often at 150bpm throughout the daytime, and perhaps a little slower at 100bpm or 75pm at night, appearing in “steps”.

In atrial fibrillation, the abnormal circuits are seen within the left atrium. There are multiple circuits with varying cycles within the left atrium, which leads to a characteristic irregularly irregular heart rhythm profile, where heart rates vary immensely from beat to beat. The pulse feels erratic in both the rhythm as well as the strength of each heartbeat, with ranges typically from 90 to 180bpm.

Both heart rhythm abnormalities increase your risk of stroke, and the risk factors for stroke should be considered to guide you on whether you should be taking anticoagulation to prevent a stroke.

Dr Boon Lim (Afib & Atrial Flutter Specialist in London) will be able to provide a throughout assessment through state-of-the-art diagnostic tests, including sleep apnoea screening, and provide a comprehensive treatment plan for atrial fibrillation & atrial flutter, including catheter ablation.

Contact know to arrange an appointment.  


Source:https://drboonlim.co.uk/what-is-the-difference-between-atrial-flutter-and-atrial-fibrillation/

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

A-FIB VERSUS JUNCTIONAL RHYTHMS

. ATRIAL FIBRILLATION: On your rhythm strip, the two most important characteristics are: . 1) A rhythm that’s IRREGULARLY irregular (meaning there’s no way to predict the next beat) 2) No discernible P waves . In fact, if you notice an irregularly irregular rhythm and you’re having to convince yourself that you see P waves... it’s probably A-fib (multifocal atrial arrhythmias like WAP/MAT could fit the differential) . *In my opinion: Don’t get caught up in using fibrillation waves as an absolute criteria. Very fine A-fib can sometimes produce a near isoelectric line between beats. . JUNCTIONAL RHYTHMS: The pacemaker cells surrounding the AV junction are capable of initiating regular impulses but at a slightly slower natural rate than their sinus and atrial superiors. The heart is built this way so that when the pacemaker cells with the fastest intrinsic rates are in action, those below are suppressed and function primarily to pass along the impulse from above. . For these reasons, we s...
1 comment
Read more

The Pathway of Blood

Here’s a great illustration on the pathway of blood flow through the heart. It may seem easy...but you should know this cold as well as the cardiac anatomy, both of which will make procedures and understanding hemodynamics easier. . . . đŸ’™VENOUS BLOOD- Blood flows into the heart (into the right atrium) through two major veins (the superior and inferior vena cava) as well as from the coronary sinus (cardiac venous blood from the coronaries) and then out through the first AV valve (tricuspid valve) into the right ventricle. From there blood flows into the right ventricular outflow tract, across the first semilunar valve (pulmonic valve) and into the main and then left and right pulmonary arteries. Blood then enters the lungs to become oxygenated. . . . ❤️ARTERIAL BLOOD- now that blood is oxygenated flow goes from the lungs into the left atrium through 4 veins (usually) called the pulmonary veins. From the left atrium blood flows across the other AV valve (mitral valve) and into the left ...
Post a Comment
Read more

How to Stop Ectopic Beats

What is Ectopic Beats? According to Dr. Boon Lim - Ectopic beats are also known as Ectopic Heart Rhythm or cardiac ectopy. It is produced when the heart creates a premature beat, usually followed by a brief pause. Types of Ectopic Beats: 1. Premature Ventricular Contraction (PVC) 2. Premature Atrial Contraction (PAC) Causes Of Ectopic Beats There are different causes of Ectopic Beats. Some of these are  Excessive alcohol consumption Excessive caffine consumptionPrescription drugs Stress (which produces high adrenaline levels) Exercise Diarrhoea and vomitting, which may disturb electrolyte levels (typically low potassium levels) Heart muscle damage from a heart attack Heart enlargement (cardiomyopathy) Valvular heart disease, such as a floppy mitral valve (mitral valve prolapse) Symptoms of Ectopic Beats Following Can Be The Symptom of Ectopic Beats: your heart is fluttering you are hyper aware of your heartbeat you feel faint or ...
Post a Comment
Read more