Have you ever felt like your heart was beating very fast for no reason, like something was wrong with your chest? It could be something else. But sometimes it can be a symptom of a heart condition called atrial flutter. Don't worry, today we're going to talk about this condition and its highly effective treatment, called ablation.
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What is Atrial Flutter?
Simply put, this is a problem with the heart's rhythm. Our heart has two chambers, the upper chambers (atria) and the lower chambers (ventricles). In a healthy heart, these two chambers beat in a very orderly manner, in the same rhythm.
Think of it like a well-trained orchestra playing a song in unison. But in Atrial Flutter, the upper chambers of the heart, or atria, start beating very fast and irregularly. It's like several members of an orchestra beating drums at whatever speed they want. This disrupts the overall functioning of the heart. If this continues for a long time, it's not good for the heart.
So what is this Ablation treatment?
Atrial Flutter Ablation is a procedure that destroys the faulty cells that cause the heart to beat rapidly and irregularly.
Imagine a light in a house going off and on due to faulty wiring. Ablation is the process of finding the faulty wiring, disabling it, and permanently solving the problem.
In this, doctors usually use a method called radiofrequency ablation to inactivate the cells that are sending the wrong signals. Sometimes, this is done using extreme cold (cryoablation). Either way, the goal is to stop the wrong signals and restore the heart's rhythm.
The most important thing is, this is not open-heart surgery.
Why do you need to have an ablation?
A doctor usually uses this treatment if the condition cannot be controlled with medications or a procedure called cardioversion to restore the heart's rhythm. Your doctor will decide whether this treatment is right for you.
Things to be aware of before and after treatment
There are several things you need to be aware of before and after this treatment.
Preparation before treatment
- Your doctor will tell you to refrain from eating or drinking for 6-8 hours before the treatment.
- You may be asked to stop taking some medications for a few days before treatment.
- But this is very important: If you are on anticoagulant drugs, do not stop them for any reason unless your cardiologist tells you to. Do not skip a single dose.
How the treatment is done
This usually happens in a cardiac catheterization lab. You will be given medicine to put you to sleep (twilight sedation), or possibly general anesthesia. Then:
1. A small needle is inserted through the skin in the groin area.
2. Through it, several thin tubes called catheters are inserted into a blood vessel.
3. An electrode catheter is passed through this tube into your heart.
4. Using this catheter, we can pinpoint the cells in the heart that are causing the problem.
5. Then, radiofrequency energy is used to deactivate those faulty cells.
This entire process can take about two to four hours.
After treatment
Once the treatment is complete, all the tubes that were inserted are removed and the puncture site is tightened. After that, you will be asked to keep your leg straight for about 6-8 hours. Even after you go home, you will need to continue taking your anticoagulants until your doctor tells you to.
Treatment success, risks, and things to watch out for
As with any medical treatment, there are a few things you need to know about this. Let's take a closer look at them.
| Information type | What to know |
|---|---|
| Success Rate | This treatment has a success rate of over 90% . Most people regain their normal heart rhythm. However, a small percentage, about 4%-6%, may experience a recurrence. |
| Risks | The risk of complications is less than 1%.However, very rare complications include: heart block, stroke, cardiac perforation, infection, and excessive bleeding. |
| When to go to the ETU (Emergency Treatment Unit) immediately | If the wound where the needle was inserted suddenly swells or if the bleeding from the wound cannot be controlled. |
| When to call the doctor immediately | If you experience excessive bleeding, weakness, confusion, difficulty speaking, or feel faint and like you might fall. |
| Other features to pay attention to | Tell your doctor if you experience difficulty breathing, dizziness, chest pain, numbness in the injured leg, swelling or bruising around the wound, an abnormal heartbeat, or stomach pain. |
How long does it take to heal?
The best thing about this is that it doesn't take long to heal.
You can return home and resume your normal activities the day after. However, it is wise to avoid strenuous activities such as exercise and lifting weights for about three days.
Depending on your condition, you may need to take blood-thinning medications, both short-term and long-term, as advised by your cardiologist.
It's normal for anyone to be a little scared when they hear about a heart rhythm problem. But Atrial Flutter is a treatable condition. Ablation is a very effective and safe way to treat it. So, talk openly with your doctor about this and choose the best treatment for you.
💡 Take-Home Message
- Atrial flutter is a treatable condition caused by the upper chambers of the heart beating irregularly and rapidly.
- Ablation is the most successful (over 90%) and safest treatment for this. It is not open heart surgery.
- It is very important to follow medical instructions carefully before and after treatment, especially those regarding taking anticoagulants.
- Watch for warning signs after treatment, such as heavy bleeding, fainting, and difficulty speaking. If you have any problems, go to your doctor or the nearest hospital's Emergency Department (ETU) immediately.
- Don't be afraid of this treatment, discuss it openly with your cardiologist and make a decision.
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