Atrial Flutter

Atrial flutter is a rapid, organised heart rhythm problem where the upper chambers of the heart beat at around 250 to 350 times per minute, typically causing the lower chambers to beat at half that rate. The result is a fast but regular pulse that can feel like a persistent flutter or racing in the chest. It is closely related to atrial fibrillation but has a more predictable, circuit-like pattern.

Medicine used to treat Atrial Flutter

Tambocor

Flecainide

50 · 100mg

Indicated for cardiac arrhythmias, formulated to target sodium channels and alleviate electrical instability to support a normal heart rhythm.

From $1.47 / tablet View

Recognising the rhythm and when to act

Common symptoms include palpitations, shortness of breath, reduced exercise tolerance, and light-headedness. Some people notice little beyond an unusual awareness of their heartbeat; others feel markedly unwell. Atrial flutter raises the risk of blood clots forming in the heart, so anyone experiencing a sudden racing pulse, chest tightness, or fainting should seek prompt medical attention.

Restoring and maintaining normal rhythm

Treatment aims to slow the ventricular rate, restore sinus rhythm, and reduce clot risk. Medicines from the heart and blood pressure category are central to management. Antiarrhythmic agents such as flecainide may be used to maintain normal rhythm after the acute episode has been addressed. Electrical cardioversion and catheter ablation are also established options when long-term rate control proves difficult.