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 may be caused by abnormalities or diseases of the heart, by a disease elsewhere in the body that affects the heart, or by consumption of substances that change the way electrical impulses are transmitted through the heart.In some people, no underlying cause is ever found.Heart diseases or abnormalities that can cause atrial flutter include the following: 1  Decreased blood flow to the heart (ischemia) due to coronary heart disease, atherosclerosis, or a blood clot.2  High blood pressure (hypertension). 3  Disease of the heart muscle (cardiomyopathy).n some people, no underlying cause is ever found. Heart diseases or abnormalities that can cause atrial flutter include the following: 1  Decreased blood flow to the heart (ischemia) due to coronary heart disease, atherosclerosis, or a blood clot.