Most people with atrial flutter notice a rapid pulsation from the heart beating quickly in the chest. When this orderly flow of electricity is disrupted by a short circuit, abnormal heart rhythms result. The heart uses electrical currents to tell the heart cells when to contract so that they contract in a coordinated fashion. The heart is composed of millions of heart cells. How does the short circuit cause atrial flutter? In many cases the cause of the atrial flutter cannot be determined (this is known as idiopathic atrial flutter). Some causes of electrical short circuits in the heart include high blood pressure, heart valve disease, heart muscle disease, previous heart attacks, congenital heart disease (heart disease present since birth), lung disease and previous heart surgery. What causes atrial flutter?Ītrial flutter is caused by an electrical short circuit in the heart. Atrial flutter can last for a few minutes or may continue indefinitely (or until stopped with treatment). The heart rate during atrial flutter is often between 100 and 300 beats-per-minute. The normal resting heart rate is about 70 beats-per-minute. Atrial flutter causes the heart to beat very rapidly. They’ll be able to form some simple checks to either eliminate an underlying medical condition or arrange treatment if required.Atrial flutter is an abnormal heart rhythm. Heart conditions – such as heart disease, heart failure or valve problemsĪgain, if it’s possible your symptoms may be linked to any of the above – particularly if you don’t believe the common causes and medications listed above don’t apply to you – you should see your GP.Atrial fibrillation is the most common form of abnormal heart rhythm in the UK Examples include supraventricular tachycardia or SVT - where you have a fast (150 beats per minute) but regular heart rhythm and atrial fibrillation, where you get a fast or irregular heartbeat. These are problems that involve having an abnormal heart beat. You should check in with your doctor if you think your medication may be causing heart palpitations.Ĭertain medical issues can also cause palpitations, such as: Some medications can cause heart palpitations, for example: Visit our Health and Wellbeing centre for information and tips on managing many of these lifestyle factors, including cutting down on caffeine, getting a better night’s sleep, reducing your alcohol consumption, managing stress and much more. For women, hormone changes when you’re on your period, pregnant or during the menopause.You’re more likely to become aware of non-worrying causes of palpitations when you’re at rest or in bed, as it’s easy to become aware of your heartbeat then.Ĭommon causes of everyday heart palpitations include: There are a number of causes of heart palpitations. These symptoms could indicate a more serious problem that should be checked by a doctor straight away. If you have heart palpitations and any of the following symptoms – such as shortness of breath, light-headedness, chest pain or fainting – please seek emergency medical attention.
If the fluttering is regular and up to about 100 beats a minute (just under two a second) it’s rarely a cause for concern. It’s worth checking your pulse at your wrist to see if the timing of the fluttering matches your heart rate. These symptoms don’t usually last too long. Many patients describe a fluttering feeling in the chest area, or their heart thumping or racing. Heart palpitations are the sensation of your heart beating. The fluttering feeling in your rib cage could be heart palpitations.
0 kommentar(er)
