Ventricular flutter

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
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W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC

Ventricular flutter
Ventricular flutter as seen on an ECG
Synonyms	N/A
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Palpitations, dizziness, syncope, chest pain, shortness of breath
Complications	Ventricular fibrillation, sudden cardiac death
Onset	Sudden
Duration	Variable
Types	N/A
Causes	Ischemic heart disease, cardiomyopathy, electrolyte imbalance, drug toxicity
Risks	Coronary artery disease, heart failure, myocardial infarction, congenital heart defect
Diagnosis	Electrocardiogram, Holter monitor
Differential diagnosis	Atrial flutter, ventricular tachycardia, supraventricular tachycardia
Prevention	Lifestyle modification, medication, implantable cardioverter-defibrillator
Treatment	Antiarrhythmic drugs, cardioversion, catheter ablation
Medication	N/A
Prognosis	Variable, depends on underlying cause and treatment
Frequency	Rare
Deaths	N/A

Ventricular flutter is a type of arrhythmia characterized by a rapid and regular heart rhythm originating from the ventricles of the heart. It is considered a serious medical condition that can lead to ventricular fibrillation and sudden cardiac arrest if not promptly treated.

Pathophysiology

Ventricular flutter occurs when there is a rapid reentrant circuit within the ventricles, leading to a heart rate typically between 250 and 350 beats per minute. Unlike ventricular tachycardia, which may have a more organized rhythm, ventricular flutter is more chaotic and can quickly degenerate into ventricular fibrillation.

Clinical Presentation

Patients with ventricular flutter may experience symptoms such as palpitations, dizziness, syncope, or even loss of consciousness. Due to the rapid heart rate, the heart's ability to pump blood effectively is compromised, leading to decreased cardiac output and potential hemodynamic instability.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of ventricular flutter is typically made using an electrocardiogram (ECG), which shows a characteristic sine wave pattern without distinct QRS complexes or T waves. The ECG is crucial for differentiating ventricular flutter from other types of arrhythmias.

Treatment

Immediate treatment of ventricular flutter is essential to prevent progression to ventricular fibrillation. The primary treatment is electrical cardioversion, which involves delivering a controlled electrical shock to the heart to restore normal rhythm. In some cases, antiarrhythmic drugs may be used to stabilize the heart rhythm.

Prognosis

The prognosis for patients with ventricular flutter depends on the underlying cause and the promptness of treatment. If treated quickly, patients can recover without significant complications. However, if left untreated, ventricular flutter can lead to life-threatening conditions such as ventricular fibrillation and cardiac arrest.

See also

• Ventricular fibrillation
• Cardiac arrest
• Arrhythmia
• Electrocardiogram