Atrial flutter differs from AF in that atrial flutters result from a single macro-re-entrant circuit around the tricuspid valve in the R. atrium.
A-flutter is treated similarly to AF.
- Rate control with the same AV blocking agents as AF
- Anticoagulation to prevent thromboembolism and stroke.
- Electrical or chemical cardioversion is indicated for very symptomatic patients in whom rhythm control is needed.
- Catheter ablation of atrial flutter should be considered if chronic rhythm control is desired.
Professional organizations recommend that you treat atrial flutter with anticoagulation and rate control just as you do atrial fibrillation.
“Most patients with atrial flutter should be considered for long-term anticoagulation in a manner similar to those with atrial fibrillation (AF). This recommendation is based not only on the fact atrial flutter carries a risk for systemic embolization but also that these patients usually have episodes of AF.” UTD
“The management of rate-control and anticoagulation strategies for prevention of systemic thromboembolism are similar to those used for atrial fibrillation. However, long-term antiarrhythmic medications are infrequently used given the limitations of pharmacologic therapy and high rate of success of ablation for typical atrial flutter.”
KTA: ***Because of the high rate of success with ablation, rate control, and anticoagulate, and refer to Electrophysiology.
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https://www.uptodate.com/contents/embolic-risk-and-the-role-of-anticoagulation-in-atrial-flutter