Atrial Flutter

Posted By Vesna on February 02, 1999 at 16:41:46:







Hello,
You last answered a question for me on Jan. 19 and I thank you very much.  Here is my follow up question:
My mother was diagnosed with atrial flutter.  Her heart beat has been between 130-140 beats per minute for about the last 4 months.  
Before that, she was diagnosed with atrial fibrulation (her heart beat fast, but irregularly and not for more than several hours at a time).
What is the difference between atrial flutter, atrial fibrulation and tachycardia in symptoms, treatment and prognosis.
Also, my mother has somewhat elevated blood pressure and is being treated for that.  Her thyroid function is normal and she is otherwise in
very good health.  Can you please tell me what tests you would perform to diagnose the cause of the atrial flutter.  So far, my mother has had an EKG
and is scheduled for a echo cardiogram.  Nothing unusual showed up on the EKG.
Thanks