Atrial Flutter Treatment Options & Care

Overview: Atrial Flutter Ablation

Atrial flutter ablation is a medical treatment to eradicate malignant cells in the patient’s heart. These cells are responsible for an abnormal rate of heart rhythm, which is also known as atrial flutter.

Doctors use radiofrequency (extreme heat to destroy the tissue) or cryoablation (extreme cold to freeze the tissue). In both ways, the tissues impacting your heartbeat is stopped from sending faulty signals.

Atrial Flutter

Ideally, cells in the upper chamber of the heart send regular and organized signals that result in a normal and synced heartbeat; however, when some abnormal cells send faulty signals, it is called atrial flutter.

It is a medical condition in which the upper chambers of the heart beat faster than the normal rate. A suffering individual may feel palpitations. If left untreated for a long time, atrial flutter can cause major harm to cardiac health.

When Atrial Flutter Ablation Is Done

Catheter ablation for atrial flutter is done when:

Medicines don’t work
Cardioversion doesn’t work

After trying the above two, doctors suggest atrial flutter ablation to offer long-term relief to patients.

Concerned about atrial flutter? Schedule a consultation with a heart specialist today!

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Risks associated with atrial flutter ablation

Ablation is a trusted, common and safe atrial flutter treatment. It has a high success rate, complication are observed in less than 1% cases, these rare risks are:

Stroke
Blockage in heart
Infection
Bleeding
Cardiac perforation

In case you are experiencing excessive weakness, bleeding, slurred speech, or pain that just doesn’t leave, or you feel abnormal dizziness to an extent where you feel you are going to pass out, there could be some serious issue. In any of these cases, do not delay in reaching out to your doctor.

Recovery after atrial flutter ablation

Atrial ablation is a minor surgical procedure; hence, the recovery period is fast. However, it depends on multiple factors, including age and existing health conditions.

Immediate Recovery

In general, people are advised to stay in the hospital for a few hours or the following night for monitoring purposes. After this period, they can leave for home.

What to expect during the first 24-48 hours

Fatigue
Discomfort in the chest area
Palpitations
Soreness at the catheter insertion site
Bruising at the catheter insertion site

Short-term Recovery

To maintain the ICDs, you will first have to understand the device. So, ensure that you know how your ICD works with the instructions it comes along with.

Within 1- 2 weeks of the ablation, most patients can resume to normal day-to-day activities which can be called short-term recovery.

What to expect during the first 2 weeks

Occasional skipped beats/ short arrhythmia

What to avoid during the first 2 weeks

Heavy weightlifting
Strenuous exercise
Long-distance travel

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Full Recovery

The affected heart tissue may take anywhere between 6 to 8 weeks to heal. Even though it is less likely to cause any discomfort for such a long duration, ideally, full recovery is considered only when the tissue is completely healed.

What to do between 6-8 weeks

Go for follow-up checkups
Follow your doctor’s instructions, if any.

FAQs on Atrial Flutter Ablation

Is radiofrequency atrial flutter ablation harmful?

No, radiofrequency atrial flutter ablation is normal. There are two ways to destroy the malignant cells causing arrhythmia: using either extreme heat or extreme cold. Radiofrequency is just using extreme heat.

What is cryoablation in atrial flutter? ablation?

Cryoablation is a type of atrial flutter ablation in which doctors freeze the abnormal cells using extreme cold.

How soon can I resume sports after having catheter ablation for atrial flutter?

We suggest waiting at least 1-2 weeks after catheter ablation. However, you should consult your doctor to get the best advice depending on your overall medical condition.

Atrial Flutter Treatment