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Updated: Feb 10, 2026

Catheter Ablation in Combination With Left Atrial Appendage Closure for Atrial Fibrillation
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Catheter Ablation in Combination With Left Atrial Appendage Closure for Atrial Fibrillation

Published on: February 26, 2013

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Elevated Incidence of Atrial Fibrillation and Stroke in Patients With Atrial Flutter-A Population-Based Study

Lorne J Gula1, Damian P Redfearn2, Krista B Jenkyn3

  • 1Heart Rhythm Program, University Hospital, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada; Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada.

The Canadian Journal of Cardiology
|May 27, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Patients with atrial flutter have a higher risk of stroke and developing atrial fibrillation (AF). Catheter ablation for atrial flutter reduces these risks but may not eliminate them, suggesting continued anticoagulation may be needed.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Electrophysiology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • The relationship between atrial flutter, stroke risk, and progression to atrial fibrillation (AF) is not well understood.
  • This study investigates the incidence of AF and stroke in patients diagnosed with atrial flutter.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the incidence of AF and stroke in patients with atrial flutter.
  • To evaluate if atrial flutter ablation can reduce the incidence of AF and stroke.

Main Methods:

  • A population-based retrospective cohort study was conducted using linked health administrative databases.
  • Three cohorts were defined: new isolated atrial flutter, matched general population, and atrial flutter patients undergoing ablation.

Main Results:

  • Over 3 years, AF developed in 40.4% of atrial flutter patients versus 3.3% of the general population (RR 12.2).
  • Stroke occurred in 4.1% of atrial flutter patients compared to 1.2% of the general population (RR 3.4).
  • In patients undergoing ablation (n=218), AF incidence was 21.6% and stroke incidence was 0-2.3% over 3 years.

Conclusions:

  • Patients with isolated atrial flutter have significantly higher rates of AF and stroke than the general population.
  • Catheter ablation decreases, but does not eliminate, the risk of future AF and stroke.
  • Continued anticoagulation post-ablation for atrial flutter may be necessary.
Abstract

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