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Effect of exercise on cycle length in atrial flutter
M P van den Berg1, H J Crijns, B M Szabó
1Department of Cardiology, University Hospital Groningen, The Netherlands.
British Heart Journal
|March 1, 1995
Summary
Exercise significantly prolongs flutter cycle length in patients with atrial flutter. This increase may lead to dangerously high ventricular rates during physical exertion.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Electrophysiology
Background:
- Atrial flutter is a common supraventricular tachyarrhythmia.
- The effect of exercise on atrial flutter cycle length is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of exercise on atrial flutter cycle length.
- To determine if exercise influences the development of 1:1 atrioventricular conduction.
Main Methods:
- 15 patients with chronic atrial flutter underwent bicycle ergometry.
- Flutter cycle length was measured at rest and peak exercise.
- Medication use (digoxin, verapamil) and 1:1 AV conduction development were noted.
Main Results:
- Mean flutter cycle length increased significantly from 245 ms to 256 ms (P = 0.002).
- Six patients developed 1:1 atrioventricular conduction during exercise.
- The increase in flutter cycle length occurred regardless of medication or 1:1 conduction.
Conclusions:
- Exercise demonstrably prolongs atrial flutter cycle length.
- This prolongation can promote 1:1 atrioventricular conduction, leading to high ventricular rates.
- Understanding this effect is crucial for managing patients with atrial flutter during activity.