Copyright &copy 1997-2010 by Fred SeneseComments & questions to fsenese@frostburg.eduLast Revised 08/17/15.URL: http://antoine.frostburg.edu/chem/senese/101/consumer/faq/why-does-alkaseltzer-fizz.shtml.
Atrial flutter symptoms can come and go, with fast heart beat episodes lasting from some hours or days. In some cases, atrial flutter happens all the time. With proper treatment, atrial flutter is rarely life threatening. Complications of atrial flutter can be serious, but they can usually be prevented with treatment.
Atrial flutter is a common abnormal heart rhythm that starts in the atrial chambers of the heart. When it first occurs, it is usually associated with a fast heart rate and is classified as a type of supraventricular tachycardia. Atrial flutter is characterized by a sudden-onset regular abnormal heart rhythm on an electrocardiogram in which the heart rate is fast. Symptoms may include a feeling of the heart beating too fast, too hard, or skipping beats, chest discomfort, difficulty breathing, or