Atrial flutter Not Afib

[chris45558]

In 2010 i was told that I had Afib after catching it on a cardiocall machine (think that is what it is called).

Since then had a dozen or so EGC's and never been caught even though my heart was racing.

At the time i was subscribed 2 x 100mg of Flecainide. After some years due to not having many episodes I rightfully or wrongfully reduced it myself to 1 tablet a day.

I still didn't have many episodes and cycled like mad without any real problems.

Today i went to see a Cardiologist at Musgrove Park Hospital Taunton just because I had been having a few flutters and not seen anyone for sometime.

He looked at the original reading that said i have Afib and said it was Atrial Flutter and if i wanted to do come off Flecainide i could as this type of medication wasn't really for Flutter.

I am more than happy to stop taking meds as hated it.

The thing is i done a lot of reading on Afib but really don't know much about Flutter..Any ideas?

[CDreamer]

If you saw an EP they would be able to diagnose the difference between AF & AFl.

AF = an irregular, irregularity - so your pulse feels very irregular. Easy to see on an ECG as there is no P wave.

AFl = a regular, irregularity so your pulse can feel quite regular but your heart can beat fast but on an ECG it looks like a saw tooth pattern.

You may find this site helpful:-

medicinenet.com/atrial_flut...

[rosyG]

They are often linked and people have both at varying times. Flutter is much easier to ablate - can be a faster rate than AF- not always!!

Hope you stay well

[secondtry]

Great news that you have been told no more Flecainide. I would always wean yourself off slowly.

[chris45558 in reply to secondtry]

I think that's good advice and will do

[chris45558]

Thanks for the replies.

My pulse has only ever been fast and regular.

I saw an EP at Bristol some years ago who put me on meds.

I am going to reduce the tablets and see how things go.

Was told if i had any concerns i can go back to see him.

[Buffafly in reply to chris45558]

Just being nosy, who did you see? The cardiologists at Musgrove seem to be very clued up about arrhythmias although not EPs.

[chris45558 in reply to Buffafly]

I saw Dr Richard Kilbey. I thought he was very good. We did spend a lot of the time talking about New Zealand as it seems we both lived in the same area at the same time. Small world.

[Diver2 in reply to chris45558]

A fast regular pulse is not Afib but you may need the meds to slow your heart down..... it would be o good idea to work with your doctor if you are going to reduce or stop your meds

[Hidden]

When I first had problems it was Flutter and I had Ablation for flutter. During that ablation I got AFib. There is a good description of the differences here. I am only adding for me there were no differences in my symptoms. Coming off meds you don't need is a good thing.

[Ahamm]

EP doctor should be able to ablate your flutter line. Flutter is worse than Afib. Go see an EP for an opinion.

[chris45558]

Thanks for your reoly. Can i ask why a flutter is worse than Afib. Thanks

[Di1962 in reply to chris45558]

I think it's because of the extremely fast heart rate caused by flutter.

[Hidden in reply to chris45558]

chris45558

Interesting question. I have persistent AFlutter but it feels like NSR 60 bpm at the wrist because I have AFL with 5:1 block.

Do you have Kardia and Apple Watch?

[chris45558 in reply to Hidden]

Hi my resting pulse is around 65. Its same at my wrist and also on the Kardia and my Wahoo cycle HR chest strap

[Hidden in reply to chris45558]

chris45558

I have Kardia but am looking at Apple Watch. Have you considered it? Could be good good for picking up bradycardia and pauses, whether natural or drug related.

[chris45558 in reply to Hidden]

To be honest never knew an Apple watch was for that.

I went for a bike ride yesterday and heart rate was around 170 but pushing at times. I checked other members heart rates and most were the same. Pulse was back to normal after i had finished. Only taking half of a 100mg tablet but tomorrow stopping completely.

[JaneChapple]

Hi Chris45558

My hubby was in A and E on Thursday and had to call ambulance Saturday with high HR. A and E and a,bulance crew say atrial flutter but it seems to occur mostly when he eats or allergic reaction to most pharmaceuticals. Also loads of aches and pains which could be through previous antibiotic use they think. Allergic ro clarythromicin and antidepressant imapradine. Had to come off those. The doc says fibromyalgia but they use this term when they cant find the root cause!

He had two AF ops in 2006/7 second one being successful. Am interested to note the doc in Taunton but I have learned that there is something called cardiogastric syndrome which apparently UK consultants and docs dont know much about yet. Also lost stone and a half in weight so wsiting for colonoscpy. I may contact the specialist in Taunton for a second opinion as this has been going on for long enough and we are gping round in circles. I was on flecainide and bisoprolol at onevpoint but had to come off as it lowered my NR too much. Its fair enough if people need them but I think they arecpushing ADs too much. Think they must have sharws in them!

Best wishes

JaneCx

[Chrissy7]

Hi Chris I’m new to all of this as well. I apparently had flutter last week for the first time. The difference as I understand is that with a feeling your heart rate goes up to say 200 and stays there but with flutter it goes from normal beat and shoots to say 200 for a few seconds then back to normal.

Apparently flutter is easier to treat?

I’m going to the cardiologist in a few days but after this episode I feel awful. Kind of flu like. I’m wondering if maybe because I took betas for a few days then stopped (very low dose so... should be an issue.

Sorry I can’t be if more help..

[Diver2]

My doctor explained Flutter as the heart vibrating as opposed to beating which records as very fast heartbeat. While Afib has a similar vibrating feeling it is more an increase in the number of locations that initiate the beat. Have been told that Flutter is worse than Afib, but have also heard the opposite.... Could be that some professionals are better at correcting one than the other