Atrial Fibrillation Vs Atrial Flutter

[Afibflipper]

Just out of interest does anyone have knowledge that can explain to me - I’ve had AF for years and had ablations and now awaiting CV - was admitted to A&E last week and they told me the ECG looked like AFlutter (when usually it’s fibrillation) - what’s the difference, is one worse than the other is treatment the same - I’ve no idea. Thank you

[nellie237]

Hi Afibflipper,

I'm sorry I have no experience, but until somebody comes along who can be more helpful:-

bhf.org.uk/informationsuppo...

[Afibflipper in reply to nellie237]

Very helpful & link thank you

[Hidden]

With the caveat that I’m not medically qualified. My understanding is that in atrial fibrillation, the atria beat fully but it’s a fast and always irregular rhythm because the electrical impulses causing it are disorganised. The atria contract to pump blood, but out of sync with the ventricles. In atrial flutter, it’s common for the rhythm to be regular as the result of the electrical impulses causing it being organised and regular; the primary issue is the atria trying to beat very fast - atrial rates of around 300bpm are common. The problem is that at those speeds they can’t properly contract and pump blood in the process: they just quiver or ‘flutter’, instead. In flutter, the overall heart rate is usually lower than Afib because only one in every four of the atrial contractions might be matched by the ventricles: those 300bpm atrial flutters are offset by a normal ventricular rate and might become an overall pulse rate of around 150bpm. Whilst still fast, heart rates tend to be lower in flutter than AF as a result.

Of the two, Afib is more common. My understanding is that symptoms also tend to be more severe with AF over flutter, however the risks and subsequent treatment with blood thinners etc. are generally the same. From what I’ve read, flutter quite often develops into AF over time, but also tends to respond better to ablation.

[Afibflipper in reply to Hidden]

Many thanks 😊

[Palpman]

Most people with AFlutter feel rather poorly and cannot function normally.Most people with Afib do not even realise they have it.

[Afibflipper]

This episode has been the worst I’ve ever had maybe it’s swung between the two if that’s possible but thank you for the advice

[Wenlock]

I'm being treated for A F....was told I had Flutter, seems it's the same thing (more or less), some doctors use either word. I'm on Bisoporal 1.25, 1 am+ 1pm. Best way to check is go on NHS...web site, click on A+Z. You get the best advice there and feel assured. Sometimes you can have an electronic device fitted which automatically re regulates your health rythem. I equate it to a computer on a plane reajusting...the Auto pilot. Good luck Wenlock.

[Afibflipper in reply to Wenlock]

Thank you Wenlock, love your description, sound on my wave length - my aunt couldn’t understand when I said I was having a cardioversion so I said, bit like a car when they restart the engine! First thing that came to mind I’m afraid but she said -ok