Atrial flutter

Atrial flutter is characterized as fairly frequent (from two hundred to four hundred times per minute) atrial contraction, without disturbing the rhythm of contractions. This condition is more resistant to any antiarrhythmic drugs and is characterized by considerable resistance of paroxysms (seizures). Atrial fibrillation has similar symptoms, however, is characterized somewhat differently.

Atrial flutter can be expressed in several forms. Each form of the condition can be detected by an expert using an ECG.

Atrial flutter can be triggered by various impairments of the conducting impulse system. These disorders occur as a result of ischemic heart disease, arterial hypertension, acute myocardial infarction. To the reasons for which atrial flutter occurs, include idiopathic cardiomyopathies, myocarditis, pericarditis, lung diseases of a non-specific nature, obstructive pulmonary diseases in chronic forms.

Manifestation of an ailment in adults can be associated with a defect of the interatrial septum, with the syndrome of "anticipation" of the ventricles, dysfunction of the sinus node (tachy-brachy syndrome), pathological (atypical) atrial desupation.

The main pathological factor of the disease is the excessively high incidence of atrial contractions. From this condition all the clinical symptoms also flow.

Developing tahisystole provokes diastolic dysfunction of the myocardium in the region of the left ventricle. Later this state is transformed into contractile systolic dysfunction. As a result of this scheme of development of conditions, the emergence of dilated cardiomyopathy, resulting in heart failure.

The course of the state of atrial flutter can have paroxysmal and permanent character. In connection with this, 2 clinical pictures are distinguished.

Paroxysmal development of the disease is characterized by the frequency of seizures from one year to several attacks throughout the day.

This form of the disease occurs in people, regardless of age and sex. The occurrence of seizures is typical for both women and men. However, people who suffer from myocardial diseases are more likely to be paroxysmal.

Seizures (paroxysms), as a rule, result from excessive physical or emotional loads, alcohol consumption, overeating. Attacks can also occur with a sharp significant decrease in the temperature of the external environment (for example, when immersed in ice water or when entering the street in the frost), as well as gastric disorders. In some cases, paroxysms occur when drinking water in large quantities.

Paroxysms are characterized as a frequent and strong heartbeat. In some cases, there may be weakness, dizziness, loss of consciousness. Sometimes, cardiac arrest can occur for a short period.

The constant course of the disease is a very dangerous form. The first stages, as a rule, are not characterized by any expressed symptoms. The manifestation of a constant course of the disease occurs with the accumulation of consequences caused by a decrease in the blood systemic release and systemic BP. As a result, coronary blood flow decreases. As practice shows, in such cases, patients turn to a specialist with already expressed symptoms.

Atrial flutter. Treatment.

Therapy of the disease includes complex measures that are based on eliminating the root cause of the onset of the condition. The therapeutic course is accompanied by a special diet. The diet excludes fatty, spicy, salty and smoked food. A necessary condition is also the refusal of smoking and alcohol. The appointment of medicines is carried out exclusively by a doctor.