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[Atrial flutter--diagnosis and therapeutic possibilities]
Background:
Atrial flutter and atrial fibrillation are among the most common heart rhythm disturbances in the population, with an assumed prevalence of 1-2%. About 40,000-60,000 Norwegians endure such rhythm disorders, with an increasing occurrence in the elderly population.
Material And Methods:
Surface ECG remains the corner-stone for the clinical diagnosis. We describe the various mechanisms, clinical presentation, and diagnosis based on modern invasive electrophysiological methods of atrial flutter.
Results:
The available therapeutic modalities for conversion during episodes and prophylaxis with drugs, various pacing techniques, DC conversion and surgical therapy are discussed.
Interpretation:
Radiofrequency catheter ablation is the only available method to cure the patient in a gentle manner.