Fibrillation or Flutter

Can anyone explain the difference between Afib and Aflutter? I have had episodes of what I have been told is Afib. These episodes have lasted from a few seconds to 22 hours. (the longest)

Is the difference between fib and flutter the time duration?

I always have gone back into normal rythym on my own (no cardioversions) is this a sign that the afib or flutter is less serious?

Thanks,
Anthony

[Jerry_NJ]

AFib is irregular, the HR jumps around and is usually faster than normal, say 100 bpm at rest.  AFlutter is more a regular beat (to my knowledge) but usually has a higher HR, say 130 bpm or higher.

If you self-convert to sinus rhythm it is less serious than if you don't, however, that doesn't give you a "home free" ticket.  During the time you are in AFib there is an increased risk of formation of a blood clot which can lead to a stroke.  The odds are low of this happening and are only increased during the time you are in AFib.  I'd think a good strategy would be to take some anticoagulant steps, the simplest and still effective is to take an aspirin a day (or half an aspirin or a low dose aspirin) with a meal.  I take my 1/2 regular aspirin with breakfast, and I do not have any stomach upset from the practice.

If the frequency of the AFib goes up, you may want to consider taking something to hold it off, like a beta blocker (a prescription drug).  The more you are in sinus rhythm the better from all points of view.

[AnthonyF1500]

Thanks, for your comments. I have an irregular heart beat thats for sure but I dont get the excellerated Heart rate. My heart rate stays quite normal during afib. I do take an aspirin every morning. I just started Metoprol (beta blocker) because my last few bouts of afib have come during exercise so my doctor felt lowering the HR could help keeping me out of afib. The longest I have ever been in afib has been 22 hours. I have been told this isnt nearly long enough to form a clot, plus this is a "Lone" afib situation which means I have NO other risk factors.

Would you agree?
A.

[Jerry_NJ]

Yes, beta blocker, Metoprolol is one generic frequently prescribed, and is what I take.

I agree that occasional AFib has a much lower probability of forming a clot in a 6 month period, for example, than does constant AFib, and even constant AFib has only a few percent chance of forming a clot that dislodges and causes problems, including a stroke.

I don't agree, however, that a long AFib can not cause a clot, so taking an aspirin, which will help protect against that happening, is a good precaution.  When you say no other risk factors I assume clot risk factors, like age (over 65) and several other factors I can't recall at the moment.  A "google" on Clot Risk Factors will produce the list I'd bet.  I have several risk factors including age, so I take both aspirin and Warfarin, an anticoagulant.

[AnthonyF1500]

Hi Jerry, When I say risk factors I am referring to risk factors for Afib. Blood pressure, chlorestorol, non-smoker, non-drinker, good echo cardiogram, no heart surgery, no coccaine or stimulats etc...all the things that are listed for POSSIBLE afib causes. This situation is referred to as "Lone" afib. (which means no risk factors but does have afib)   What I do have on that list is STRESS, and I truly believe it contributes a great deal. When my stress level was a lot lower last year I went 12 months without an afib episode. Also a person has to be in Afib for a minimum of 48 hours to even begin to fear a stroke, and your right it is still a very low risk. (especially for a "lone" afib patient) Its still not fun when it happens. Good luck! - A