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Atrial flutter
- No.1 in the UK for private cardiac care
- Appointments in as little as 24 hours
- 99% of our cardiac patients would recommend us to friends and family
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Atrial flutter at HCA UK
Why choose us?
At HCA UK, we’ve provided care for almost 80,000 cardiac patients in the last three years, and 99% of those patients would recommend us to their friends or families.
Like them, you’ll be treated by some of the world’s leading consultants, supported by multi-disciplinary teams of specialists. You’ll have access to quick, effective and fully personalised treatment through our network of five cardiac centres and 15 outpatient and diagnostic facilities across the UK.
Atrial flutter (also referred to as AFL) is a cardiac arrhythmia condition that's diagnosed when a person has an abnormally fast heartbeat. The condition is caused by electrical impulses in the heart that result in its top chambers (atria) beating faster than the bottom chambers (ventricles).
This means that the overall heart rhythm becomes out of sync, and a rapid heartbeat is experienced in a consistent pattern. It can be a serious condition that weakens the heart muscle and increases the risk of heart attack and stroke.
You may experience one or several symptoms of atrial flutter, including:
- Blackouts or fainting
- Shortness of breath, especially during physical activity
- Dizziness or feeling light-headed
- Extreme tiredness or weakness
- Palpitations, such as fluttering sensations, racing heartbeat or skipping beats
- Chest pain
If you have symptoms or concerns, we'll confirm an appointment with a leading cardiac specialist within 24 hours of you getting in touch.
The main cause of atrial flutter is abnormal electrical signals in the heart that lead to changes in the heart's rhythm. It can also be associated with other underlying conditions, including:
- Valve disease, heart muscle damage, heart failure or congenital defects
- High blood pressure
- Overactive thyroid
- Coronary artery disease
- Previous cardiac surgery
- Sleep and breathing conditions, including COPD and sleep apnoea
If you have one or more of these conditions, it doesn't mean you will experience atrial flutter. If you have any concerns, it's recommended that you speak to a doctor.
While atrial flutter is more common in those over the age of 50, there are other risks that may increase the likelihood of the condition developing. These include:
- Stress
- Excessive alcohol use
- Lung disease
- Diabetes
- Obesity
100+
electrophysiology consultants available
26,000+
cardiac patients treated per year
15
diagnostic centres across the HCA UK network
Next-day appointments
See a specialist and get on the path to an expert diagnosis in as little as 24 hours.
State-of-the-art diagnostics
With results in as little as 48 hours.*
Wide-reaching expertise across the UK
Visit any one of 15 dedicated diagnostic centres in London, Manchester and Birmingham.
Worried about your heart, but not sure what to do?
Get in touch and book a same or next-day GP appointment.
Have a referral and need to book?
Simply book a test, scan or treatment directly today.
Unsure of a diagnosis and need some answers?
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Cardiac tests and scans at HCA UK
Expert diagnosis, fast results
At HCA UK, investing in our patients means investing in our facilities. It’s how we guarantee you'll have access to the UK's most comprehensive diagnostics network, including the latest testing and imaging technology, with results delivered in as little as 48 hours.
Those tests include:
- Electrocardiogram (ECG)
- Ambulatory electrocardiogram
- Cardiac event recorder
- Echocardiogram
- Blood tests
We may also conduct electrophysiological studies and cardiac stress tests
Cardiac treatments at HCA UK
No.1 in the UK for private cardiac care
When you require treatment, you need to know you’re in safe hands. At HCA UK, we’re the leading provider of private cardiac procedures in London.
We've helped thousands of patients like you get back to a fit and active life. Our teams include some of the UK’s leading specialists, who routinely perform thousands of procedures each year, including catheter ablation, electrical cardioversion and pacemaker fitting.
Some of the atrial flutter treatments we offer include:
Accessing private health care
Self-pay
You don’t need health insurance to be seen quickly. If you’re looking for a diagnosis or treatment and don’t want to wait, all our private healthcare services – from private GP appointments through to surgery and aftercare – can be paid for as and when you need them.
And to give you peace of mind from the start, we’ll offer you a clear and transparent quote outlining exactly what’s included in your self-pay package.
Atrial flutter FAQs
Atrial flutter should be considered an emergency if you have any sudden signs or symptoms of a heart attack. If you experience any of the following symptoms, call 999 immediately:
- Chest tightness and pain that spreads to the arm, shoulder, neck, jaw, back and stomach
- Feeling sick
- Sweating
- Fainting
- Severe pain that can mimic indigestion
- Overwhelming anxiety
- Breathlessness
- Blackouts
As with any medical condition, the earlier you see a doctor, the closer you’ll be to a correct diagnosis. That’s why the recommendation is to see a doctor as soon as possible if you’re experiencing symptoms of atrial flutter so you can begin the right treatment plan and achieve the best outcome.
Most complications are rare, and the benefits of atrial flutter procedures often outweigh the risks. Complications may include side effects from medications, bleeding or bruising at catheter ablation or pacemaker insertion sites and fatigue.
Your consultant will discuss the risks with you based on your individual circumstances.
Your consultant will discuss the risks with you based on your individual circumstances.
Early diagnosis and an effective treatment plan are essential in the management of atrial flutter. Most people can live a full and active life after treatment, but you may need to implement some lifestyle changes to manage the condition.
Your consultant will advise you on specific aspects such as driving, working, travelling and physical activity, and this advice will depend on the type of treatment and medication you’ve received.
Some people confuse atrial flutter with atrial fibrillation (Afib) but there is a clear difference. With atrial flutter, the heartbeat is fast but remains regular. When someone experiences atrial fibrillation, the heartbeat is not only fast but also irregular. It is possible to have both conditions at the same time, however, and the treatment is often similar.
There are two types of atrial flutter, and they produce similar symptoms. In order to ensure you have the most effective treatment, it’s important get an accurate diagnosis. These types are:
- Typical atrial flutter: this is the most common (accounting for 90% of cases) and occurs in the right atrium (upper chamber) with electrical signals moving in an anticlockwise direction
- Atypical atrial flutter: this is the least common (accounting for 10% of cases) and occurs in the left atrium
Depending on the medication you're prescribed, you might experience some side effects, most of these are mild and manageable, and might include:
- Lethargy: This is common when you first start taking beta blockers but typically settles within a few days
- Skin sensitivity: Amiodarone can cause an increased risk of getting sunburn
- Over or underactive thyroid: Amiodarone can also cause changes to your thyroid function which can be managed with additional medication
- Stomach upset: This can sometimes happen when taking medication for arrhythmias
- Increased risk of cardiac death: Rarely, atrial flutter medication can cause a more serious arrhythmia which, in a small number of cases, can lead to sudden cardiac death
Your consultant will discuss the potential side effects and your individual risk factors before prescribing any of these medications.
Our patients' stories
How a valve replacement helped Steve breathe easy again
When Steve found out his breathlessness was caused by a narrowed aortic valve, he was terrified of the thought of the open-heart surgery that might be needed to treat it. But with the expertise of Professor Sagar Doshi at The Harborne Hospital, he learned he could have a ‘keyhole’ alternative called TAVI.
Designing a new heart
Using his experience in 3D printing for his architecture clients, David built a life-size model of his own heart and ribcage to help visualise and plan his endoscopic heart surgery with Mr Toufan Bahrami.
Just two months after undergoing heart surgery at The Harley Street Clinic, David, who is in his 70s, is looking forward to his forthcoming trip to Copenhagen, Stockholm and Gothenburg with his wife.
Swimmer overcomes atrial fibrillation with gold medal glory
Andrew, 58, was training for a triathlon when he had his first occurrence of atrial fibrillation, causing palpitations and shortness of breath.
“Coming into the hospital and having the procedure was such an efficient process. I felt like I was the only person being admitted.”
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.