Atrial Flutter and AFib

Hello, Briefly I've had multiple Aortic/Mitral valve surgeries, with the second in 2013 I acquired Complete Heart Block, Permanent AF, Shunt, and my Pacemaker. I'm probably lucky that I've been reasonably stable over the years, other than every now and again having the PM settings altered. On Warfarin for the mech valves and until diagnosed with Heart Failure last year I'd managed to avoid meds, but now on Bisoprolol and Entresto. Anyway, at a PM check this morning, it was mentioned I'd been having Atrial Flutters. It appears this has been happening every now and again, so from thinking I had a fair understanding of things, I've come to the conclusion I'm fairly clueless.I probably should have asked what it means, but, it just went over my head at the time to be honest. Can this be a problem?

Cheers

[Paulbounce]

Hi Heedio.

Flutter is when the upper chambers of the heart beat to quickly. The success rate for an ablation to cure this is very high - I think about 90%.

"In atrial flutter, the heart's upper chambers (atria) beat too quickly. This causes the heart to beat in a fast, but usually regular, rhythm. Atrial flutter is a type of heart rhythm disorder (arrhythmia) caused by problems in the heart's electrical system"

I had it but the med's I'm on now seem to have cured the problem as it's not returned since. Chat to your cardio and ask what can be done. You ask if it can cause a problem - well yes if left untreated much the same as afib can. However there are treatments that can help and an ablation stands a good chance of solving this one.

Paul

[Hidden in reply to Paulbounce]

Hi, Thanks for your reply it's appreciated. All these years, and I've never known what an Ablation was, ignorance is bliss. So, it looks like another chat with my Cardiologist, I like to keep him on his toes. Hopefully, a procedure can be avoided, but, if comes to it, I'll just have to get on with it.

Heed

[Paulbounce in reply to Hidden]

Hi Heed.

You certainly keep your cardio on his toes

I just checked and the 'success rate of the procedure is 95 to 98%. The risk of the atrial flutter returning or recurring after an apparently successful procedure is approximately 2%'.

So Wil is right - a very good chance of success. Good luck.

Paul

[wilsond]

Hi I had both. Flutter is a regular fast rate,Afib is all over the place,usually also fast but mine wasnt.Afib can be treated for many with medication.

Flutter is more resistant.

The high rate of flutter is not.desirable on a long term basis or with frequent sustained episodes as it eventually can cause problems.

Good news ,ablation success for AFlut. Is now 95to 99 %. Afib can also be tackled by ablation if meds stop working or are not tolerated,success varies between 70 to 80% first go.

I had both done at once 5 months ago,all clear so far.

So in a nutshell, flutter can be an issue but can be sorted out . Xx

[Hidden in reply to wilsond]

Hi, Thank you for your reply. I think I've probably taken the Pacemaker for granted over the years as the Afib hasn't been much of a problem, and being on Warfarin for the valves and recently Bisoprolol for Heart Failure has also helped.

Good to see your clear so far.

[Jmarina]

Hi there,I too have had a couple of heart surgeries. Also on warfarin for mechanical aortic valve. Ended up with Afib after 2nd surgery. Doctors told me an ablation is not a choice for me, because of surgeries. Therefore, I have tried every anti arrythmic drug out there to control my afib. At this time, the drug sotolol is working.

I hope it continues. After this, Dr. said pacemaker was last option.

[Hidden in reply to Jmarina]

Hi Jmarina, It seems to be pot luck if you end up with Afib after surgery. I'm on my third Aortic Valve with one Mitral plus a repair, but, to be fair, I went Tissue first time around so was always expecting the second, but, not the third op. Interesting about you not being suitable for an Ablation, so I suppose it's possible that I'll be the same. Until recently, I've been told for years, the surgeons didn't want to go anywhere near the heart again, although, a Paediatric Cardio Surgeon has come out of the blue and decided he can close a leakage in a Left to Right Shunt I have.

Thanks