Atrial Flutter in Houston, TX

Atrial flutter is a type of abnormal heart rhythm that causes the upper chambers of the heart, known as the atria, to beat rapidly and inefficiently. While it shares similarities with other arrhythmias, including supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) and atrial fibrillation (AFib), atrial flutter requires a comprehensive evaluation and personalized treatment plan to relieve symptoms and protect long-term heart health. At Mobitz Heart Rhythm Clinic in Houston, TX, Dr. Alireza Nazeri, MD, specializes in diagnosing and treating complex heart rhythm disorders, including atrial flutter, SVT, and AFib.

Atrial flutter develops when abnormal electrical signals create a rapid, organized circuit within the atria. This causes the upper chambers of the heart to beat much faster than normal, which can interfere with the heart's ability to pump blood efficiently.

Some patients experience occasional episodes that come and go, while others develop persistent atrial flutter requiring ongoing treatment. Because symptoms and severity vary from person to person, a thorough evaluation is essential.

The symptoms of atrial flutter depend on how fast the heart is beating and how long the abnormal rhythm lasts. Common symptoms include heart palpitations, a rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, fatigue, dizziness or lightheadedness, reduced exercise tolerance, and chest discomfort.

Some individuals experience very few symptoms and discover atrial flutter during a routine examination or while being evaluated for another medical condition.

Although atrial flutter, SVT, and AFib all originate in the upper chambers of the heart, they involve different electrical patterns and often require different treatment approaches.

Atrial flutter results from a rapid but organized electrical circuit within the atria, creating a rhythm that is usually regular. SVT is a broader category of rapid heart rhythms that often begin and end suddenly and may have several different underlying causes. AFib develops when chaotic electrical signals cause the atria to quiver instead of contracting effectively, producing an irregular heartbeat that increases the risk of blood pooling within the heart.

Because these arrhythmias can produce similar symptoms, an accurate diagnosis is important before treatment begins.

Dr. Alireza Nazeri may recommend several tests to identify atrial flutter and evaluate overall heart function. Diagnostic testing may include an electrocardiogram (ECG), Holter monitoring, event monitoring, echocardiography, and a comprehensive cardiac evaluation. These studies help determine the specific rhythm abnormality and guide the most appropriate treatment plan.

Treatment focuses on restoring or controlling the heart's rhythm, relieving symptoms, and reducing the risk of complications. Depending on the patient's condition, treatment may include medications, electrical cardioversion, or catheter ablation.

Catheter ablation is often one of the most effective long-term treatments for atrial flutter because it targets the abnormal electrical pathway responsible for the arrhythmia. Dr. Nazeri develops individualized treatment recommendations based on each patient's condition, symptoms, and overall health.

Like AFib, atrial flutter can increase the risk of stroke because blood may pool within the atria, allowing blood clots to form. If a clot travels to the brain, it can result in a stroke. Patients with atrial flutter are evaluated for their individual stroke risk, and some may benefit from anticoagulant medications to help reduce that risk.

Living with atrial flutter can affect your energy level, comfort, and overall quality of life, but effective treatment options are available. At Mobitz Heart Rhythm Clinic in Houston, TX, Dr. Alireza Nazeri, MD, provides advanced diagnosis and treatment for atrial flutter, SVT, AFib, and other cardiac arrhythmias. To schedule a consultation, call (713) 909-3166 and learn more about your treatment options.