What is 心房扑动?
心房扑动 心房纤颤, is a rhythmic disturbance of the heart (心律失常). Atrial flutter occurs when the chambers beat faster than normal and not always in coordination. It is not as common as 心房纤颤, also known as AFib or AF. But atrial flutter has similar symptoms, causes and consequences. People with atrial flutter may develop AFib as well. Atrial flutter is detectable by an 心电图.
During atrial flutter, the atrium of the heart beat 250 to 350 times per minute. (The atrium is the term for the upper chambers of the heart.) This heartbeat is much faster than the normal rate of 60 to 100 beats per minute. 心房扑动, the signal that tells the atrium to beat may be blocked by damaged tissue or scar tissue.
Watch an animation of a normal heartbeat.
Symptoms of atrial flutter
Sometimes there are no noticeable symptoms, and the condition is only detectable upon physical examination. When there are noticeable symptoms, they may include:
- 一般的疲劳
- A rapid and irregular heartbeat
- Fluttering or “thumping” in the chest
- 头晕
- Shortness of breath and anxiety
- 弱点
- Faintness or confusion
- Fatigue when exercising
- 出汗
- 胸痛或压力 (If you have this symptom, this is a medical emergency. You may be having a heart attack. Call 911 immediately if you are experiencing this.)
What causes atrial flutter?
The cause of atrial flutter may be unknown. 在某些情况下, it is the result of damage to the heart’s electrical system from other conditions such as:
- Longstanding, uncontrolled 高血压
- Coronary artery disease
- 心脏瓣膜紊乱
- Birth defects of the heart
- 酒精滥用
- Overactive thyroid gland
The most serious risk from atrial flutter is that it can lead to other medical problems, including:
Learn about the important connection between AFib, 高血压 and stroke.
What are the risk factors for atrial flutter?
- 高血压
- 老年
- 糖尿病
- 酒精使用史
- 女性
Treatment for atrial flutter
The treatment for atrial flutter is similar to the treatment for AFib. The goals of treatment include:
- Slowing the heart rate with medication
- Restoring the normal heart rhythm with cardioversion, medications or ablation
- 预防血栓
Learn more about these treatments.
