Ventricular flutter
Ventricular flutter is a rapid, life-threatening heart rhythm originating from the ventricles of the heart. This condition is characterized by a heart rate of 200 to 250 beats per minute and a distinctive, smooth, sine-wave pattern on an electrocardiogram (ECG). Ventricular flutter is considered a medical emergency, as it can deteriorate rapidly into ventricular fibrillation, leading to sudden cardiac death if not treated promptly.
Causes[edit | edit source]
Ventricular flutter is most commonly caused by underlying heart disease, such as coronary artery disease, cardiomyopathy, or myocardial infarction. Other potential causes include electrolyte imbalances, particularly low potassium or magnesium levels, and the use of certain medications or recreational drugs that affect the heart's electrical activity.
Symptoms[edit | edit source]
Due to its rapid rate, ventricular flutter severely impairs the heart's ability to pump blood effectively, leading to reduced blood flow to vital organs. Symptoms may include:
- Palpitations
- Dizziness
- Syncope (fainting)
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
Diagnosis[edit | edit source]
Diagnosis of ventricular flutter is primarily based on the findings of an ECG, which shows a characteristic smooth, undulating wave pattern without clearly visible QRS complexes or T waves. Additional tests, such as blood tests to check for electrolyte imbalances and imaging studies like echocardiography, may be performed to identify underlying causes and assess the heart's structure and function.
Treatment[edit | edit source]
Immediate treatment of ventricular flutter is critical and focuses on restoring a normal heart rhythm. This is typically achieved through electrical cardioversion, a procedure in which a controlled electric shock is delivered to the heart to reset its rhythm. In some cases, antiarrhythmic medications may also be used. Long-term management may involve the use of medications, lifestyle modifications, and possibly the implantation of a cardioverter-defibrillator to prevent recurrence.
Prevention[edit | edit source]
Preventing ventricular flutter involves managing underlying heart conditions and avoiding known triggers, such as certain medications and recreational drugs. Regular monitoring and treatment of electrolyte imbalances can also reduce the risk.
See also[edit | edit source]
Cardiovascular disease A-Z
Most common cardiac diseases
- Cardiac arrhythmia
- Cardiogenetic disorders
- Cardiomegaly
- Cardiomyopathy
- Cardiopulmonary resuscitation
- Chronic rheumatic heart diseases
- Congenital heart defects
- Heart neoplasia
- Ischemic heart diseases
- Pericardial disorders
- Syndromes affecting the heart
- Valvular heart disease
A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z
A[edit source]
- Accelerated idioventricular rhythm
- Acute decompensated heart failure
- Arteriosclerotic heart disease
- Athletic heart syndrome
- Atrial flutter
- Atrioventricular fistula
- Cardiovascular disease in Australia
- Autoimmune heart disease
B[edit source]
C[edit source]
- Ebb Cade
- Cardiac allograft vasculopathy
- Cardiac amyloidosis
- Cardiac asthma
- Cardiac tamponade
- Cardiogenic shock
- Cardiogeriatrics
- Cardiorenal syndrome
- Cardiotoxicity
- Carditis
- Coronary artery aneurysm
- Coronary artery anomaly
- Coronary artery disease
- Spontaneous coronary artery dissection
- Coronary artery ectasia
- Coronary occlusion
- Coronary steal
- Coronary thrombosis
- Coronary vasospasm
- Cœur en sabot
- Coxsackievirus-induced cardiomyopathy
D[edit source]
E[edit source]
H[edit source]
- Heart attack
- Heart failure
- Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction
- Heart to Heart (1949 film)
- High-output heart failure
- Hyperdynamic precordium
A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z
I[edit source]
- Idiopathic giant-cell myocarditis
- Interventricular dyssynchrony
- Intraventricular dyssynchrony
- Isolated atrial amyloidosis
K[edit source]
L[edit source]
M[edit source]
- Mydicar
- Myocardial bridge
- Myocardial disarray
- Myocardial rupture
- Myocardial scarring
- Myocardial stunning
- Myocarditis
N[edit source]
O[edit source]
P[edit source]
- Papillary fibroelastoma
- Pathophysiology of heart failure
- Postpericardiotomy syndrome
- Pulmonary vein stenosis
R[edit source]
S[edit source]
- Saturated fat and cardiovascular disease
- SCAR-Fc
- Shone's syndrome
- Strain pattern
- Subacute bacterial endocarditis
- Sudden cardiac death of athletes
A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z
T[edit source]
V[edit source]
W[edit source]
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