Skip to main content

Atrial fibrillation vs Atrial flutter

Atrial fibrillation (AF) and atrial flutter (AFL) are two conditions that cause an irregular heartbeat. They are similar, but there are some key differences.

AF is the most common type of arrhythmia or abnormal heart rhythm. It is a result of electrical signals in the atria (the two upper chambers of the heart) moving independently of each other. This can cause the atria to quiver (fibrillate), which can lead to blood clots.

AFL is a type of atrial tachycardia, which is a rapid heartbeat that starts in the atria. It is caused by abnormal electrical signals that make the atria beat too fast. This can also lead to blood clots.

Both AF and AFL can cause shortness of breath, chest pain, and fainting. They can also increase the risk of heart failure and stroke.

There is no definitive test for AF or AFL. Diagnosis is often based on a combination of symptoms, medical history, and tests such as an electrocardiogram (ECG) or a Holter monitor.

Treatment for AF and AFL depends on the cause and how serious the problem is. Some people may only need medication, while others may need surgery or other treatments.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a heart rhythm disorder that causes an irregular and often rapid heart rate.

Atrial flutter (AFL) is a heart rhythm disorder that is very similar to AF. The main difference between AF and AFL is that AFL usually has a more regular rhythm than AF.

Both AF and AFL can cause shortness of breath, lightheadedness, and fainting. AF can also lead to heart failure, stroke, and other serious problems.

Diagnosis is often based on a combination of symptoms, medical history, and tests such as an electrocardiogram (ECG) or a Holter monitor.

Treatment for AF and AFL depends on the cause and how serious the problem is. Some people may only need medication, while others may need surgery or other treatments.


Originally Posted on: https://healtiswealth.quora.com/Atrial-fibrillation-vs-Atrial-flutter

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