Re: Atrial flutter

Posted By CCF CARDIO MD - DLB on December 12, 1998 at 05:39:36:

In Reply to: Atrial flutter posted by ** on December 11, 1998 at 19:23:04:






My husband has had frequent episodes of atrial flutter.  He has a new pacemaker that we were hoping would control his atrial flutter, but it hasn't.  He is currently thinking about going on medication.  Does anyone use medication for this or do you use different treatments?  What are some of the side effects of medication?  Thanks in advance,
**
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Dear **
I would not expect a standard pacemaker to make much of a difference with atrial flutter. Usually we use an electric shock to get patients out of this rhythm, often in combination with medications. There are several different medications that can be used, all with their own set of possible side effects. Certain types of atrial flutter can be cured with a procedure called a catheter ablation - you ought to look into that possibility.
I hope this has been useful. Feel free to write back with further questions. Good luck.
Information provided here is of a general nature.  Specific diagnoses and treatments can only be made by your doctor.  If you would like to be seen at the Cleveland Clinic, please call 1-800-CCF-CARE for an appointment with a cardiologist at Desk F15.