What is atrial flutter?
Atrial flutter is a type of heart rhythm disorder (arrhythmia) that occurs when the heart’s upper chambers (atria) beat too quickly. This can disrupt the normal flow of blood, leading to symptoms like dizziness, chest discomfort and fatigue.
Atrial flutter is the second most common type of heart rhythm disorder. Atrial fibrillation is the most common, and while the two conditions are similar, they have different patterns of electrical activity in your heart.
Atrial flutter vs. atrial fibrillation
Atrial flutter and atrial fibrillation (AFib) are both types of arrhythmias. Atrial flutter creates a fast but more regular rhythm, but AFib causes a fast, irregular heartbeat.
The conditions also affect the heart’s electrical system differently. In AFib, the electrical signals are chaotic, leading to an uneven rhythm. With atrial flutter, the signals follow a looping path, creating an often fast but usually steady heartbeat. Both conditions can increase the risk of stroke and need medical attention.
Types of atrial flutter
Atrial flutter can be classified into two main types: typical and atypical. These classifications are based on the location and pattern of the electrical impulses causing the abnormal heart rhythm.
Typical atrial flutter is the most common form and develops when abnormal electrical signals originate in the right atrium of the heart. These signals form a circular pathway around the tricuspid valve, causing the atria to beat rapidly but in a regular pattern. This type of atrial flutter can often be treated easily with a procedure called cardiac ablation.
Atypical atrial flutter occurs when the electrical signals arise in the left or right atrium. Unlike the circular pattern found in typical atrial flutter, atypical flutter causes irregular patterns.
Atrial flutter symptoms
Atrial flutter can cause a range of symptoms, from barely noticeable to more disruptive. Some people feel fine, while others may experience sensations that interfere with daily life. It’s important to talk to your doctor if you notice any of these changes in how your heart feels or how you’re feeling overall.
Symptoms of atrial flutter include:
- Chest discomfort
- Dizziness
- Fainting
- Fatigue
- Lightheadedness
- Palpitations (rapid or irregular heartbeat)
- Shortness of breath
When to see a doctor
See your doctor if you have symptoms of atrial flutter. Left untreated, the condition can lead to serious complications, including stroke or heart failure, but treatments can help reduce the risk of these complications.
Some symptoms of atrial flutter could suggest a medical emergency. Call 911 if you experience chest pain or discomfort along with dizziness, shortness of breath, or back, neck, arm or jaw pain, as these could be signs of a heart attack.
Atrial flutter causes
Atrial flutter develops when the heart’s electrical signals become disrupted, which causes the atria to beat too fast. Doctors don’t always know why this disruption occurs, but in many cases, it’s caused by damage related to an underlying medical condition. Typical flutter can occur even when you have no underlying cardiovascular illnesses.
Health conditions that cause atrial flutter include:
- Alcohol use disorder
- Cardiomyopathy
- Congenital heart disease
- Congestive heart failure
- Coronary artery disease
- Heart valve disease
- High blood pressure
- Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid)
- Myocarditis
Atrial flutter risk factors
Having a health condition that causes atrial flutter can increase your chances of developing it, but other health conditions and lifestyle factors can also increase your risk. Risk factors for atrial flutter include:
Age
Older adults tend to have more conditions associated with atrial flutter, such as high blood pressure and a history of alcohol misuse.
Diabetes
Diabetes affects the heart in many ways, and atrial flutter occurs often in people with Type 2 diabetes, although the reasons aren’t fully understood.
Lung conditions
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and pulmonary hypertension may increase the risk of atrial flutter, possibly due to increased stress on the heart.
Recent surgery
Heart surgeries and other procedures can lead to the development of atypical atrial flutter, including open-heart surgery and prior cardiac ablations.
Sex
Atrial flutter occurs more often in men than women.
Complications
When atrial flutter isn’t treated, it can lead to more serious heart problems down the road. The longer it goes unmanaged, the higher the risk of issues that can affect your health and quality of life.
Atrial flutter can lead to:
- Heart failure: The heart’s rapid and inefficient rhythm can weaken its ability to pump blood effectively over time, leading to heart failure. Some symptoms of heart failure include fluid buildup, shortness of breath, fatigue and/or cough.
- Stroke: Atrial flutter can cause blood to pool in the heart, leading to the formation of clots. If a clot travels to the brain, it can block blood flow and cause a stroke.
Diagnosing atrial flutter
If you think you have atrial flutter, diagnosis typically starts with your doctor reviewing your medical history and doing a physical exam. Your doctor will likely also order various imaging and heart tests to help confirm the diagnosis and rule out other potential issues.
With recent advances in smartwatch technology and other phone-based apps, many people may self-diagnose and can bring providers data to analyze and determine if there is an issue or cause for concern.
An accurate diagnosis can guide your treatment and help you understand other steps you can take to protect your long-term heart health.
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Medical history and exam
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms, such as palpitations or shortness of breath, and review your medical and family health history. During a physical exam, they’ll take your heart rate and rhythm. These measurements help determine if you need imaging or other tests to diagnose atrial flutter or another heart condition.
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Imaging and tests
Your doctor may order a series of tests to diagnose atrial flutter and understand how it affects your heart. These tests help confirm the diagnosis, pinpoint the cause and guide the best treatment approach. Common tests include:
- Blood tests: Your doctor may order blood tests to measure electrolyte levels, check thyroid function and identify other underlying conditions that can trigger irregular heartbeats.
- Electrocardiogram (EKG): An EKG is the most common test used to diagnose atrial flutter. It measures the heart's electrical activity and can detect abnormal rhythms.
- Heart monitor: A small, portable device records your heart’s activity over a few days or weeks to capture irregularities that may not show up during a regular EKG.
- Echocardiogram: This test uses sound waves to create detailed images of your heart, showing any structural damage or abnormalities.
- Stress test: You may be asked to walk on a treadmill or pedal a stationary bike while an EKG tracks your heart’s electrical activity. This test shows how your heart performs under physical stress, helps assess how well medications are working and reveals whether exercise brings on or intensifies your symptoms.
- Advanced imaging: Advanced imaging tests, such as a cardiac CT scan or MRI scan, provide highly detailed views of the heart’s structure, helping doctors plan and guide treatments like catheter ablation. A cardiac CT can clearly show the size and anatomy of the left atrium and pulmonary veins, while cardiac MRI can detect scar tissue that might affect the success of an ablation.
Atrial flutter treatment
Treating atrial flutter focuses on getting the heart back to a normal rhythm and preventing serious complications like stroke and heart failure. Depending on your situation, your care plan may include lifestyle changes, medications, procedures to correct the heart’s electrical signals or a combination of these approaches.
Lifestyle changes
Healthy lifestyle choices can help manage atrial flutter and improve your heart’s health. Consider these changes:
- Eat a heart-healthy diet: Focus on fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins.
- Exercise regularly: Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate intensity exercise most days of the week, but check with your doctor first to see if you have any limits or restrictions.
- Avoid stimulants: Cut back on alcohol, caffeine and other substances that can trigger irregular heart rhythms.
- Manage stress: Practices like meditation or yoga can help reduce stress, which may worsen symptoms.
Medication
Medications play a key role in managing atrial flutter by helping to control your heart rate, restore a normal rhythm and lower the risk of serious complications like stroke. Your doctor may recommend one or more of the following:
- Antiarrhythmic drugs: These medications help correct the heart’s rhythm and prevent future episodes of atrial flutter.
- Anticoagulants: Also known as blood thinners, these medications can prevent blood clots from forming, lowering your risk of stroke.
- Beta-blockers and calcium-channel blockers: These medications slow down your heart rate, helping it beat more efficiently and reducing symptoms.
Heart procedures
When medications aren't enough, several procedures are available to help correct atrial flutter. These treatments target the irregular electrical signals causing your symptoms. Many people with atrial flutter experience significant improvement or complete resolution after these procedures, allowing them to return to normal activities with improved quality of life.
- Electrical cardioversion: During electrical cardioversion, a doctor will place paddles or patches on your chest to deliver electric shocks that reset the heart's rhythm. This procedure resets the heart but does not prevent the arrhythmia from coming back. You may need to take follow-up medications to maintain a normal heart rhythm.
- Catheter ablation: Ablation uses catheters inserted into your blood vessels and guided to your heart to deliver heat or cold energy. This energy creates small scars that block abnormal electrical signals. This treatment is designed to correct atrial flutter—and in some cases, it may even offer a complete cure.
Locations for atrial flutter
Find comprehensive care for atrial flutter and other forms of arrhythmia from our heart teams in North and Central Texas. We can help you find care at a location that fits your needs.
Baylor Scott & White Advanced Heart Failure Clinic - Longview
906 Judson Rd , Longview, TX, 75601
Baylor Scott & White Advanced Heart Failure Clinic - Tyler
1321 S Beckham Ave , Tyler, TX, 75701
Baylor Scott & White Center for Thoracic Surgery - Tyler
1321 S Beckham Ave , Tyler, TX, 75702
Baylor Scott & White Cardiology Consultants of Texas - Greenville
4400 Interstate 30 W Ste 300, Greenville, TX, 75402
- Monday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Texas Cardiac Associates - Royse City
6257 FM 2642 Blvd Ste 100, Royse City, TX, 75189
Baylor Scott & White The Heart Hospital - McKinney
5268 W University Dr , McKinney, TX, 75071
Baylor Scott & White Cardiac Surgery Specialists - McKinney
5236 W University Dr Ste 4900, McKinney, TX, 75071
Baylor Scott & White Arrhythmia Management - McKinney
5236 W University Dr POB I, Ste 4900, McKinney, TX, 75071
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White The Heart Group - McKinney
5236 W University Dr Ste 4450, McKinney, TX, 75071
- Monday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:30 am - 7:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Legacy Heart Center - McKinney
5236 W University Dr Ste 4100, McKinney, TX, 75071
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - McKinney
5252 W University Dr Highway 380 at Lake Forest Drive, McKinney, TX, 75071
Baylor Scott & White Arrhythmia Management - Rockwall
1005 W Ralph Hall Pkwy Ste 225, Rockwall, TX, 75032
Baylor Scott & White Cardiovascular Specialists - Rockwall
6705 Heritage Pkwy Ste 202, Rockwall, TX, 75087
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Lake Pointe
6800 Scenic Dr , Rowlett, TX, 75088
Baylor Scott & White Center for Thoracic Surgery - Rockwall
6701 Heritage Pkwy Ste 130, Rockwall, TX, 75087
Baylor Scott & White Legacy Heart Center - Prosper
111 S Preston Rd Ste 10, Prosper, TX, 75078
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Arrhythmia Management - Prosper
111 S Preston Rd Ste 10, Prosper, TX, 75078
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White The Heart Group - Prosper
111 S Preston Rd Ste 10, Prosper, TX, 75078
Baylor Scott & White Texas Cardiac Associates - Rowlett
7801 Lakeview Pkwy Ste 100, Rowlett, TX, 75088
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Denton Heart Group - Gainesville
201 N Interstate 35 Ste 140, Gainesville, TX, 76240
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Frisco at PGA Parkway
7600 Better Way , Frisco, TX, 75033
Baylor Scott & White The Heart Group - Frisco
4461 Coit Rd Ste 101, Frisco, TX, 75035
- Monday: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
- Tuesday: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
- Wednesday: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
- Thursday: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
- Friday: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Centennial
12505 Lebanon Rd , Frisco, TX, 75035
Baylor Scott & White Legacy Heart Center - Garland
7217 Telecom Pkwy Ste 205, Garland, TX, 75044
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Arrhythmia Management - Garland
7217 Telecom Pkwy Ste 205, Garland, TX, 75044
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Texas Cardiac Associates - Forney
763 E US Hwy 80 Ste 240, Forney, TX, 75126
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Legacy Heart Center - Frisco
9990 Dallas Pkwy Ste 100, Frisco, TX, 75033
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Cardiovascular Consultants at The Star
3800 Gaylord Pkwy Ste 910, Frisco, TX, 75034
- Monday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Legacy Heart Center - Plano Preston Road
6601 Preston Rd , Plano, TX, 75024
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Frisco
5601 Warren Pkwy , Frisco, TX, 75034
Baylor Scott & White Legacy Heart Center - Plano Spring Creek Parkway
5655 W Spring Creek Pkwy Ste 155, Plano, TX, 75024
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Sunnyvale
231 S Collins Rd , Sunnyvale, TX, 75182
Baylor Scott & White Cardiovascular Consultants - Plano
6000 W Spring Creek Pkwy Ste 220, Plano, TX, 75024
- Monday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Arrhythmia Management - Plano
1820 Preston Park Blvd Ste 1450, Plano, TX, 75093
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Cardiology Consultants of Texas - Mesquite
1575 Interstate 30 , Mesquite, TX, 75150
- Monday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White The Heart Hospital - Plano
1100 Allied Dr , Plano, TX, 75093
Baylor Scott & White Cardiac Surgery Specialists - Plano
4708 Alliance Blvd Pavilion I, Ste 540, Plano, TX, 75093
- Monday: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
- Tuesday: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
- Wednesday: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
- Thursday: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
- Friday: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Baylor Scott & White The Heart Group - Plano
4708 Alliance Blvd Pavilion I, Ste 465, Plano, TX, 75093
- Monday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
Baylor Scott & White Cardiovascular Consultants - Plano II
4708 Alliance Blvd Pavilion I, Ste 450 , Plano, TX, 75093
- Monday: 8:30 am - 4:45 pm
- Tuesday: 8:30 am - 4:45 pm
- Wednesday: 8:30 am - 4:45 pm
- Thursday: 8:30 am - 4:45 pm
- Friday: 8:30 am - 4:45 pm
Baylor Scott & White Cardiovascular Specialists - Mesquite
5308 N Galloway Ave Ste 201, Mesquite, TX, 75150
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White The Heart Hospital Heart Rhythm Center - Plano
4716 Alliance Blvd Pavilion II, Ste 300, Plano, TX, 75093
Baylor Scott & White The Heart Hospital Aortic Center - Plano
4716 Alliance Blvd Pavilion II, Ste 300, Plano, TX, 75093
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White The Heart Hospital Heart Recovery Center - Plano
4716 Alliance Blvd Pavilion II, Ste 350, Plano, TX, 75093
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White The Heart Hospital – Plano Structural Heart Center
4716 Alliance Blvd Pavilion II, Ste 300, Plano, TX, 75093
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Global Heart Health Center
4716 Alliance Blvd Pavilion II, Ste 300, Plano, TX, 75093
Baylor Scott & White The Heart Hospital Genetics Center - Plano
4716 Alliance Blvd Pavilion II, Ste 350, Plano, TX, 75093
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Plano
4700 Alliance Blvd , Plano, TX, 75093
Baylor Scott & White The Heart Group - Castle Hills
1700 FM 544 Ste 200, Lewisville, TX, 75056
Baylor Scott & White Cardiology Consultants of Texas - Park Cities
9101 N Central Expy Ste 300C, Dallas, TX, 75231
- Monday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Cardiovascular Consultants - Denton
3333 Colorado Blvd , Denton, TX, 76210
- Monday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
Frequently asked questions
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Can atrial flutter go away on its own?
Atrial flutter can sometimes stop on its own without treatment. This is called spontaneous conversion. However, for many people, atrial flutter becomes chronic or will come back if it’s not treated with medication or a procedure.
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What does atrial flutter feel like?
Atrial flutter can feel like a rapid, steady pounding in your chest. You might also feel short of breath, dizzy or tired, or notice your heart racing even when you’re resting. Symptom intensity can vary from person to person.
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How do you calm an atrial flutter?
You may not be able to stop or “calm” an atrial flutter without medications or a procedure. However, healthy lifestyle changes, such as eating a healthy diet, avoiding stimulants and engaging in moderate exercise, may reduce the number of atrial flutter episodes you have.
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Can you live a long life with a heart flutter?
Yes, many people with atrial flutter live long, healthy lives, especially if they receive proper treatment and make healthy lifestyle choices. Managing related health conditions and following your doctor’s advice can make a big difference.
The key is to treat atrial flutter early, prevent complications like stroke and stay consistent with checkups. Staying active and eating well also support a healthier heart.
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Is walking good for atrial flutter
Yes, walking and other light- to moderate-intensity exercises are generally good for people with atrial flutter. Staying active can strengthen your heart and improve overall health. However, it’s important to talk to your doctor before starting any exercise program.
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What should you avoid with atrial flutter?
If you have atrial flutter, try to avoid heavy alcohol use, smoking, excessive caffeine and unmanaged stress. These can all trigger or worsen episodes. Skipping medications or ignoring symptoms can also increase your risk of complications.
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Can stress cause atrial flutter?
Stress is not usually a direct cause of atrial flutter, but it can play a role in triggering or worsening atrial flutter.