Atrial Fibrillation and Flutter

Atrial fibrillation is a form of arrhythmia that is quite common (roughly 2.2 million Americans have it) but is also very serious. With atrial fibrillation, the atria, or the two upper chambers of the heart, quiver or "fibrillate" at very rapid pace (up to 400 beats per minute) and irregularly instead of beating rhythmically. As a result, the blood is not completely emptied out with each heartbeat. This can lead to pooling and clotting. Blood clots are particularly harmful as they can become lodged in the coronary arteries or an artery in the brain, resulting in a heart attack or stroke.

Atrial flutter is a little different from atrial fibrillation. With atrial flutter, the heartbeats are very rapid, but they occur regularly. It is less common than atrial fibrillation, but its treatment options as well as ramifications are very similar.

Causes
There are two types of atrial fibrillation, each of which have different underlying causes:
Primary atrial fibrillation: This is atrial fibrillation that occurs most often in younger people and usually does not involve any other type of heart disease. Primary atrial fibrillation is caused by hyperthyroidism, or an overactive thyroid, a blood clot in the blood vessels of the lungs, or excessive alcohol use.
Secondary atrial fibrillation. This type of fibrillation is the result of other forms of heart disease that include heart valve disease, coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, an inflammation of the protective covering of the heart, and a heart muscle that has experienced disease.

Some triggers of both types of fibrillation include alcohol use, caffeine, and overeating.

The causes of atrial flutter are similar to atrial fibrillation, except those with lung disease are more at risk for atrial flutter.

Symptoms
People with atrial fibrillation or flutter may or may not experience symptoms. Most times, however, at least one of the following symptoms may be present:
Palpitations. This is the most common symptom in people who have atrial fibrillation or flutter. Palpitations are described as a feeling that the heart is "fluttering" or beating very quickly.
Anxiety. Oftentimes, the palpitations will lead to intense feelings of anxiety or a feeling of impending doom.
Feeling light-headed or faint.
Chest pain (angina.) Sometimes, people who suffer from atrial fibrillation or flutter experience chest pain.
Anyone who experiences fainting spells, severe chest pain, or extreme fatigue and shortness of breath should call 911 or go to the emergency room. This could indicate a heart attack or be the start of irreversible damage to the heart.

Prevention
Preventing atrial fibrillation is often possible, as many of the cases have to do with lifestyle habits and preventable forms of heart disease. Some ways you can prevent atrial fibrillation, as well as heart disease, include:
Diet. A diet high in fattening foods and cholesterol can lead to high blood pressure and atherosclerosis, the narrowing of arteries due to plaque buildup that is made from fatty deposits. In addition, it is important not to overeat as overeating can also lead to atrial fibrillation and flutter.
Alcohol consumption. Excessive consumption of alcohol can also lead to atrial fibrillation as well as high blood pressure and other forms of heart disease. Daily alcohol intake should be limited to the amount in two beers or an 8-ounce glass of wine.

Atrial fibrillation and flutter can be a dangerous arrhythmia problem if left untreated. Anyone experiencing frequent symptoms of atrial fibrillation and flutter should seek medical care.

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