Atrial (AY-tree-ul) flutter is an abnormal heart rhythm (arrhythmia) that causes the heart to beat too quickly. More to Know The electrical impulse that keeps the heart beating normally begins at a group of cells called the sinus node, located in the right atrium (one of the heart's upper chambers). With atrial flutter, however, the electrical impulse begins in a circuit that moves throughout the right atrium and causes the heart to beat rapidly and abnormally. A rapid heartbeat can stress the heart and cause chest pain, palpitations, shortness of breath, fatigue, and low blood pressure. Atrial flutter is often caused by damage to the heart or by congenital (present at birth) heart defects. Other causes include certain medications, viral infections, and metabolic disorders. In some cases, it happens for no apparent reason. It can also come and go. A rapid heartbeat can increase the risk of stroke or heart disease, so should be treated. Treating the cause of atrial flutter can usually restore a normal heart rate. Medications can also help slow the heart or thin the blood to reduce the risk of stroke. Keep in Mind Though it can be serious, if atrial flutter is treated properly, most people can live perfectly normal lives, although some may have a relapse of the condition from time to time. All A to Z dictionary entries are regularly reviewed by KidsHealth medical experts. Back to Articles Related Articles Arrhythmias Arrhythmias are abnormal heartbeats usually caused by an electrical "short circuit" in the heart. Many are minor and not a significant health threat, but others can indicate a more serious problem. Read More Heart Disease Heart disease, also called cardiovascular disease, mainly affects older people. Find out more in this article for kids. Read More Words to Know (Heart Glossary) Your heart beats and sends blood all around your body. Find out more about the heart, from A to Z, in this glossary. Read More Strokes This "brain attack" happens when blood flow to the brain stops, even for a second. Often, kids who have a stroke can learn to use their arms and legs and speak again through brain retraining. Read More Congenital Heart Defects Heart defects happen when there's a problem with a baby's heart development during pregnancy. Most heart defects can be treated during infancy. Read More Arrhythmia (Abnormal Heartbeat) An arrhythmia is an abnormal heartbeat usually caused by an electrical "short circuit" in the heart. Many are minor and not a health threat, but some can indicate a more serious problem. Read More Atrial Septal Defect (ASD) Atrial septal defect (ASD) — also known as a "hole in the heart" — is a type of congenital heart defect. Most ASDs are diagnosed and treated successfully. Read More Atrial Septal Defect Atrial septal defect, or ASD, is a heart defect that some people are born with. Most ASDs are diagnosed and treated successfully with few or no complications. Read More Heart and Circulatory System The heart and circulatory system (also called the cardiovascular system) make up the network that delivers blood to the body's tissues. Read More Heart and Circulatory System The heart and circulatory system are our body's lifeline, delivering blood to the body's tissues. Brush up on your ticker with this body basics article. Read More Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor. © 1995-2021 KidsHealth®. All rights reserved. Images provided by The Nemours Foundation, iStock, Getty Images, Veer, Shutterstock, and Clipart.com.