Abnormal Heart Rhythm

Atrial Flutter

Signs and Symptoms
Diagnosis
Treatment

Signs and Symptoms

Atrial flutter occurs when rapidly fired signals cause the muscles in the atria, the upper chambers of the heart, to contract quickly. This causes a very fast, steady heartbeat.

Atrial flutter is a rapid heart rhythm caused by an extra electrical pathway in the heart that begins in the upper chambers of the heart, called the atria. This causes a very fast, steady heartbeat.

The "normal" number of heartbeats per minute, called pulse rate varies with age. The heart beats about 140 times a minute in a newborn, compared to 70 times a minute in an older child at rest. Heart rate is not constant, changing in response to many factors, such as activity, fever and fear. In atrial flutter -- when the heart beats too quickly -- the heart cannot fill completely with blood, preventing the body from receiving the blood volume it needs to function properly.

Atrial flutter may cause the following symptoms:

• Palpitations, which can be skipping, fluttering or pounding in the chest
• Fatigue
• Chest pressure or pain
• Shortness of breath
• Fainting, also known as syncope, or near-syncope
• Lightheadedness or dizziness

It is important to note that during a period of atrial flutter, children may not know how to describe what they are feeling. They may have trouble keeping up with other children or realize they are having "spells" and want to sit down and rest. Some children do not experience any symptoms at all.

Reviewed by health care specialists at UCSF Children's Hospital.
Last updated May 8, 2007