Who is at Risk?
There are various medical conditions that can increase the risk of atrial flutter. These conditions include diabetes, hyperthyroidism, sleep apnea, lung disease, coronary artery disease, heart valve disease, heart disease, and high blood pressure. Furthermore, as a person gets older, their risk of developing atrial flutter also increases. Lifestyle choices can also play a role in determining one’s risk for this condition. Specifically, habits such as smoking, regular binge drinking, taking diet pills, engaging in intense athletic training, and being obese can elevate the risk of atrial flutter. In addition, anxiety and stress, recent surgery, and the use of certain medications are also recognized as risk factors for developing atrial flutter.
Causes of Atrial Flutter
Atrial flutter is a condition that occurs when an abnormal electrical circuit forms in the atria of the heart due to changes or damage to the heart muscle. This new circuit disrupts the normal rhythm, causing the atria to beat rapidly and out of sync with the ventricles.
One common cause of atrial flutter is coronary heart disease. This condition develops when the arteries of the heart become blocked by plaque, leading to damage in the heart muscle, blood vessels, and chambers.
In addition to coronary heart disease, atrial flutter can also occur after open-heart surgery. During the surgical procedure, the heart may experience scarring, which can disrupt the normal electrical signals.