That flutter in your chest can stop you mid-sentence and mid-stride. Atrial flutter is a fast, organized heart rhythm disorder that raises your stroke risk and puts long-term strain on your heart. The encouraging news is that it responds well to treatment, often with lasting results after a single procedure.
At Valley Heart & Rhythm, Dr. Menachem Wakslak brings subspecialty precision and a genuinely personal approach to every patient he sees. As a board-certified cardiac electrophysiologist serving Tarzana and the San Fernando Valley, he built this practice around one principle: treating people, not just conditions.
What Is Atrial Flutter?
Atrial flutter occurs when an abnormal electrical circuit in the heart’s upper chambers causes them to beat rapidly, typically at 250 to 350 times per minute. Unlike atrial fibrillation (AFib), which is chaotic and irregular, atrial flutter follows a fast, organized pattern. The two conditions are closely related, and some people experience both.
Like AFib, atrial flutter is a type of arrhythmia that can increase stroke risk and, over time, weaken the heart muscle if not properly managed. An accurate diagnosis is the foundation for effective treatment.
Symptoms of Atrial Flutter
Symptoms can range from obvious to easy to miss. You may notice:
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A racing or pounding heartbeat (palpitations)
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Shortness of breath, particularly with activity
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Fatigue or unusual weakness
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Dizziness or lightheadedness
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Chest discomfort
Some people have few or no symptoms and are only diagnosed after a routine EKG. Whether your symptoms are pronounced or subtle, a thorough evaluation with a heart rhythm specialist is the right starting point.
Atrial Flutter Treatment Options
The right treatment depends on your overall health, how long you’ve had the condition, and what matters most to you. Options include:
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Medications: Rate-control or rhythm-control drugs can help manage symptoms, though they don’t address the underlying cause.
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Cardioversion: A brief, controlled electrical shock to the heart restores a normal rhythm and is often used for short-term correction.
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Catheter ablation: A minimally invasive procedure that targets and eliminates the abnormal electrical circuit responsible for flutter. For typical atrial flutter, ablation carries a high success rate and can provide long-term relief.
Dr. Wakslak discusses every option with you directly. The recommendation fits your situation, not a one-size-fits-all protocol.
What to Expect During Flutter Ablation
Ablation is performed in an electrophysiology (EP) lab. Thin, flexible catheters are guided through a blood vessel to the heart, where the abnormal circuit is precisely located and treated. The procedure is done under sedation or general anesthesia, and most patients go home the same day or after an overnight stay.
Dr. Wakslak uses advanced mapping technology and techniques designed to minimize radiation exposure throughout the procedure. From start to finish, the focus is precision, safety, and your comfort.
Recovery and Results
Most patients return to normal activities within a few days. Dr. Wakslak and his team stay closely connected with you after the procedure, monitoring your heart rhythm and addressing any questions as they come up.
For many people, flutter ablation provides long-term freedom from the condition, often without the need for ongoing medication. Dr. Wakslak will give you a realistic picture of what outcomes look like for your specific situation.
Why Choose Valley Heart & Rhythm for Atrial Flutter Treatment in Tarzana, CA?
At Valley Heart & Rhythm, atrial flutter treatment begins with a genuine conversation, not a standard checklist. Dr. Wakslak takes the time to understand your health history, your symptoms, and what you’re hoping to get back to before recommending anything. Not every patient needs ablation, and not every patient who does gets that option offered elsewhere. Here, you’ll find an honest, individualized assessment built around who you are.
Dr. Wakslak is a board-certified cardiac electrophysiologist who has cared for patients in the San Fernando Valley since 2012. He trained at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, completed cardiovascular disease training at Maimonides Medical Center in Brooklyn, and finished his cardiac electrophysiology fellowship at the University of Rochester Medical Center. He performs the full scope of heart rhythm procedures, including flutter and SVT ablation; AFib ablation using radiofrequency and pulsed field techniques; and implantation of pacemakers, defibrillators, and loop recorders.
Get Answers and a Plan That Fits Your Life
Atrial flutter is treatable, and with the right evaluation, many patients find lasting relief and reclaim the energy and comfort they’ve been missing.
Dr. Wakslak and his team at Valley Heart & Rhythm are ready to review your situation, answer your questions honestly, and help you decide what makes sense for you. Call Valley Heart & Rhythm in Tarzana, CA, at (818) 724-8000 to schedule a consultation.
