Ventricular flutter
Ventricular Flutter
Ventricular flutter (pronounced: ven-TRIK-yoo-lar FLUT-er) is a life-threatening cardiac arrhythmia that results in a rapid and regular heart rate. This condition is often associated with a heart rate of 200 to 300 beats per minute.
Etymology
The term "ventricular" is derived from the Latin word ventriculus, which means "little belly". It refers to one of the two main chambers of the heart. "Flutter", on the other hand, is an English word that describes the rapid vibration or pulsation.
Definition
Ventricular flutter is characterized by a fast, but regular, heart rate. It is caused by rapid electrical impulses originating from the ventricles, the lower chambers of the heart. This condition can lead to inadequate blood flow to the body, causing symptoms such as dizziness, shortness of breath, and loss of consciousness.
Symptoms
Symptoms of ventricular flutter may include:
- Palpitations - a sensation of rapid heartbeats
- Dizziness or fainting
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Loss of consciousness
Causes
Ventricular flutter can be caused by various conditions that damage the heart's electrical system, including:
- Coronary artery disease
- Myocardial infarction (heart attack)
- Cardiomyopathy - a disease of the heart muscle
- Electrolyte imbalance - an imbalance of minerals in the body
- Certain medications or substances, such as alcohol or drugs
Treatment
Treatment for ventricular flutter aims to restore a normal heart rhythm. This may involve:
- Cardioversion - a medical procedure that uses electricity to reset the heart's rhythm
- Medications to control the heart rate or rhythm
- Catheter ablation - a procedure to destroy the area of the heart causing the abnormal rhythm
- Implantation of a Cardiac defibrillator - a device that detects and treats life-threatening arrhythmias
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Ventricular flutter
- Wikipedia's article - Ventricular flutter
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