Atrial flutter is a type of arrhythmia, or a problem with the heart’s rhythm. This arrhythmia causes the heart atria, the upper chambers of the heart, to beat too quickly, or flutter. This change in heartbeat can happen when damaged or scarred tissue blocks the electrical signal that tells the heart to beat. Atrial flutter can increase the risk of serious complications such as heart failure and stroke, so treating it is important. At UK Gill Heart & Vascular Institute in Lexington, Ky., our dedicated specialists will develop a personalized treatment plan that is right for your needs.
A normal resting heart rate is 60 to 100 beats per minute. During atrial flutter, the atria can beat 250 to 350 times per minute. In some cases, atrial flutter does not cause symptoms, and it is detected during a physical examination. However, for many people, the condition can cause a range of symptoms, including:
- A feeling of fluttering, racing or pounding in your chest
- Chest pain
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Fatigue
- Feeling faint
- Irregular or rapid heartbeat
- Shortness of breath
- Sweating
- Weakness
Although the cause of atrial flutter isn’t always known, other conditions can cause damage to the heart’s electrical impulses, leading to abnormal heart rhythms. These include:
- Birth defects
- Coronary artery disease
- Heart valve disorders
- Hyperthyroidism
- Uncontrolled high blood pressure
Several risk factors can put you at higher risk for developing atrial flutter, including:
- A history of alcohol use
- Being female
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Older age
People with atrial flutter are at higher risk for stroke. An abnormal heart rhythm can cause blood clots, which can travel to your brain. Over time, atrial flutter can cause your heart to weaken, leading to heart failure.
Your first visit to UK Gill Heart & Vascular Institute’s Adult Heart Rhythm Program is a time of education and introductions. You meet members of your care team and learn about detecting, treating and living with arrhythmias.
Diagnosing arrhythmias is a unique process that requires detective work. One of the most important steps toward diagnosis is listening to your story. Your team will ask a lot of questions about your symptoms and medical history. The goal is to gather all possible information that can help pinpoint the source of your heart issue. Information from this first meeting helps your team determine the next step in diagnosis.
Based on information from this meeting, your healthcare provider may give you a monitor to wear. This monitor tracks your heart rhythm and allows your team to determine the type of arrhythmia you have. Additionally, your team may prescribe one or more diagnostic tests. If appropriate, these tests take place on a different day, and your team helps schedule them at your convenience.
When coming to your first arrhythmia appointment, plan to do the following:
- Arrive early. You may need to fill out paperwork when you arrive. Getting to your appointment early ensures you have time to complete paperwork without feeling rushed.
- Bring a current list of medicines or supplements you take. You should also list any surgeries you’ve undergone, symptoms you’ve experienced and other past health issues.
- Dress comfortably. Working toward a diagnosis takes time. Comfortable clothes help you remain relaxed and attentive throughout your visit.
- Eat and drink normally. You won’t undergo imaging or other testing at your first visit. Therefore, there are no dietary restrictions.
- Have your insurance information on hand. UK HealthCare accepts most insurers, and financial assistance is available.
- Request a loved one to join you. Bring a family member or friend with you to take notes and ask questions you may not think of asking.
Where we are located
The UK Gill Heart & Vascular Institute is located at 800 Rose St. in Pavilion G, on the first floor of UK Albert B. Chandler Hospital. We will mail you a map and directions when your appointment is scheduled.
Patient drop-off
Patients can be dropped off in front of the main entrance to Albert B. Chandler Hospital at 1000 S. Limestone. If you are dropped off at the main entrance, you’ll enter the revolving doors on the ground floor of the hospital. Take the main stairs just to the left (or elevator across the atrium) to the first floor of Pavilion A.
After climbing the stairs or taking the elevator, turn left. You’ll pass the Kentucky Wall and Kentucky Children’s Hospital on your right. Continue to the end of the hall until it comes to a T shape. Turn left and the Gill clinic entrance is across from an open area housing the organ donor wall.
Parking
It is easiest to park in the UK HealthCare Parking Garage, across from the hospital at 110 Transcript Ave.
There are two paths from this garage to the Gill clinic:
- You may take the free shuttle from Level A of the parking garage. You’ll exit the shuttle at the Pavilion A/ Pavilion G stop in front of the main entrance to the hospital. After climbing the stairs or taking the elevator, turn left. You’ll pass the Kentucky Wall and Kentucky Children’s Hospital on your right. Continue to the end of the hall until it comes to a T shape. Turn left and the Gill clinic entrance is across from an open area housing the organ donor wall.
- From Level C of the parking garage you may walk or take a golf cart across the pedway to the first floor of Pavilion A. Turn left past the help desk and walk away from the dining hall. You’ll pass the Kentucky Wall and Kentucky Children’s Hospital on your right. Continue to the end of the hall until it comes to a T shape. Turn left and the Gill clinic entrance is across from an open area housing the organ donor wall.
If you need help finding your way, information desks are located inside the main entrances to Pavilion A, both on the ground floor and at the end of the pedway on the first floor. You may also call the information desk at 859-323-5816.
Our Adult Heart Rhythm Program experts help residents of Central Kentucky and beyond regain proper heart rhythm every day. To improve the future of arrhythmia treatment and management, they also participate in clinical trials.
At any given time, UK Gill Heart & Vascular Institute staff engages in trials for new medicines or devices. This gives you access to arrhythmia treatment not available at many other facilities.
If you’re a candidate for an ongoing trial, your care team will discuss the possibility with you.
CONNECT WITH US ON
SOCIAL MEDIA
