What exactly is atrial flutter ? Over the last weekend I've had a tight chest and felt what I called trembley now I'm wondering if it's wha

[Terjo]

The feeling seemed to be faint and my heart was in sinus rhythm but made me feel rotten ! I'm ok now but do wonder what caused it. Hope some one can understand the feeling. Teresa

[meadfoot]

Hi Teresa,

I have the same feelings. I describe it as a 'dithering'. I have AFib, Atrial Flutter and Atrial Tachycardia but don't know which if any are to blame for this feeling. I have only had it since being on Flecainide so it may be that.

Like you I am in normal sinus rhythm at the time but I do feel really off colour when it comes on. It is all very strange.

Be well.

Dee.

[BobD Volunteer]

Hi Teresa, atrial flutter take place in the right atria not the left so affects the pulmonary side of the heart. It shows on ecg as a saw tooth line between the blips. You won;t feel it on the pulse as it is not connected to the left ventricle. I guess it may be this you feel.I often notice something similar but have never been diagnosed with A Fl.

Bob

[meadfoot in reply to BobD]

Hi Bob

I have found your post above very thought provoking. When my pulse goes wild and irregular and the dreadful symptoms hit me is this Atrial Fibrillation or Atrial tachy (or both) rather than Atrial Flutter. If so what symptoms does my AFlutter bring.

I am learning something new each day, all very helpful, thank you.

Dee.

[BobD Volunteer in reply to meadfoot]

Dee I have never been told I have flutter so can't comment but for sure anything which affects the pulse is left side heart so if your pulse is irregular it is A fib and if fast A tachy. The right side being concerned with pumping used blood from the heart to the lungs for re-oxygenations does not impinge on the pulse but may be felt in the chest as butterfly wings etc. . So in answer to your question I would say when your heart is going ape sh*t then it is AF, if it is fast but steady A tachy and if you feel odd but have a normal steady pulse, probably A flutter. Usual proviso-- not medically trained etc.

For what it is worth A flutter is easiest to ablate as the catheter arrives in the right atria and there is no need to punch through the septum into the left atria. so many more centres do flutter ablations than fibrillation.

Bob

[meadfoot in reply to BobD]

Thanks Bob really helpful as always. I feel odd often so probably it is due to flutter. Disappointing as I am having quite a few of these episodes. Cheers Dee.

[Terjo]

Thank you both for your replies I'll ask the visiting consultant when I see him on Friday but I guess we probably have more experience of the actual illusive feeling than he has, unless of course he has AF himself. Does anyone know a consultant with AF ?

[soupersue in reply to Terjo]

my gp has had attack of A Fib

[soupersue in reply to soupersue]

sorry pressed the wrong key and sent the above unfinished. I wanted to say that although he has only had the one attack, to date, it really has made it easier for me to discuss my symptoms with him and he has agreed for me to see an EP on the mainland.

[meadfoot]

I was treated by an A&E consultant in the South West when on holiday and had to go in as an emergency. He was brilliant but then he would be as he knew the condition personally as he is an AF suffer too. I don't know of any cardiologists or EP's with AF though but it figures there must be one somewhere!

Would you let us know what your consultant says please and all good thoughts for your consultation.

Dee.

[CDreamer]

I have all 3 AFib, AFl & Tachycardia. The way the difference was described to me by the cardiologist was that AFib is an irregular, irregularity whereas AFl is a regular, irregularity. You can see the difference on an ECG in that AFib has short gaps then long gaps between the QRS waves (big blips) whereas AFl will have regular gaps with the saw tooth pattern, although I. understand that AFl is not always that easy to diagnose and some cardiologists miss it. That is basically how I know which arythmia is current, before the ablation it was often all 3 at the same time, since the 1st ablation it is mainly Flutter and Tachycardia.

[Terjo]

So worried because they made a fuss about the BP that I forgot to ask about the atrial flutter. But as I'm referred to a consultant that I used to see regularly I will ask him, I'll make a list of questions this time ! Teresa

[nikonBlue]

I'm learning more and more about this at times very debilatating condition from all you fellow sufferers and I am greatful. However, I'm feeling pretty rubbish today with massive fatigue and dull pain across left side of my chest. I am aware that I was in AF earlier this morning, thats what woke me up and am reluctant to do my b.p. as I know it's going to be up the wall!

Should I too write a list of questions for my doc? I seem to be just plodding along taking the meds as cardiologist prescribed but not really getting anywhere and as I said, they are not giving me any information. You guys will all know how scary it can be when we are in AF and all the yuchy feelings that can bring.

I only found out that I have PAF as opposed to AF by accident when I saw a new doc at my surgery who read it from my notes. I then found out from you guys what that is!!!! Ok, enough ramblings for today. Hope everyone has a lovely Easter weekend and go easy on the chocolate!

Blue