The first type is paroxysmal AFIB, which occurs spontaneously and generally resolves by itself or with treatment within 7 days. The 3 most common AFIB types are paroxysmal AFIB, persistent AFIB and permanent AFIB. These independent risk factors have a strong link to AFIB and AFLUT, however, the pathophysiology has not been fully elucidated.įurthermore, AFLUT can be divided into 3 different types depending on the specificity. Other modifiable risk factors include obesity, alcohol consumption, high caffeine intake and extreme endurance-bearing exercises. This was confirmed in the infamous Framingham Heart Study, done in 2004, which showed an increased genetic incidence in patients with AFIB. There is a very strong genetic component playing a role in both abnormalities. Numerous risk factors have been indicated for both AFIB and AFLUT in multiple studies. This literature review serves as one of the key guiding stepping stones for current up-to-date management and treatment for both AFIB and AFLUT. With the recent advances in technology, more and more evidence-based literature is available on newer and cost-effective methods of treating and managing these patients. Due to the immense cardiovascular disease complications and economic burden of these two complicated pathologies, it is imperative to study on cost-effective means of treatment for these conditions. Since then, the world of cardiovascular medicine has seen major developments and changes in the management of these 2 interrelated atrial diseases. He compared the tactile rapid, regular atrial contractions (AFLUT) induced by faradic stimulation in animal hearts, in contrast with irregular, vermiform contractions (AFIB). The terms ‘flutter’ and ‘fibrillation’ were first coined in the early 20 th century when Einthoven found out about atrial flutter. Similar to the increasing prevalence of AFIB and AFLUT, the incidence of both these diseases is estimated to double with each passing decade of adult life. In addition, North America had the greatest age-adjusted prevalence for both AFIB and AFLUT when compared with other continents. Studies have found white people over the age of 50 with higher prevalence when compared to black people. Besides age, race and geographical location have a special preference for both AFIB and AFLUT. Consequently, these 2 diseases are rare in children and healthy young adults. Especially vulnerable is the geriatric population: known as the ‘disease of the old’, these 2 diseases have age as the major determinant in calculating prevalence. Some data suggests that the projected incidence may be as high as 8 million by 2050. With the ever increasing population, the incidence rate of AFIB is thought to double by 2050. This literature review serves as one of the guideline papers for current up-to-date management on both AFIB and AFLUT.Ītrial Fibrillation (AFIB) and Atrial Flutter (AFLUT) are recognized as the most common cardiac arrhythmias in the world. However, while advances in technologies have helped elucidate many aspects of these diseases, many mysteries still remain. Newer novel drugs targeting specific ion channels are approaching the stages of clinical investigation. Newer techniques like left atrial appendage (LAA) has been developed and is a highly attractive concept for the future in the management of AFIB/AFLUT. Catheter ablation is an effective treatment option in certain patients that have AFIB/AFLUT refractory to medical management. Anti-coagulation therapy in both the disease population is essential. In some situations, atrial rhythms may not be well controlled by these anti-arrhythmic drugs, making cardioversion to sinus rhythm necessary. Rate control (along with rhythm control) is the first line of management for symptomatic AFIB/AFLUT with Rapid Ventricular Rate (RVR). Management of these two diseases has been a challenge for physicians. The term ‘flutter’ and ‘fibrillation’ were first coined to differentiate the differences between fast, regular contractions in Atrial Flutter (AFLUT) with irregular, vermiform contractions of Atrial Fibrillation (AFIB).

Afib flutter ablation