Patient/caregiver was educated that risk factors for atrial flutter include any conditions that can lead to excessive and/or abnormal stimulation of heart. These conditions are as follows: Smoking Nicotine can excessively stimulate the heart, leading to increased heart rate and altered rhythm. Elevated blood pressure and Heart disease Chronic uncontrolled hypertension and previous episodes of myocardial infarction/heart attack can damage the heart muscle over time. This damaged heart muscle resists normal conduction of cardiac impulse, [...]

Patient was educated on measures to prevent complications due to atrial flutter as follows: Discuss with all your doctors regarding your arrhythmic history. Discuss all prescription and supplement medications along with any new medications being started, to validate the safety of these medications with the arrhythmia. Stress and anxiety are important contributors towards rhythm disturbances of the heart. Managing stress and anxiety by observing compliance with relaxation techniques, such as, deep breathing, biofeedback, and yoga [...]

Patient was educated on measures to prevent complications due to atrial flutter as follows: Observe compliance with any anticoagulants prescribed to prevent the risk of clot formation and deposition of embolus in vital organs, thus affecting their function. Also, observe compliance with orders for periodical lab draws that determine risk for clot formation. Be aware of any signs and symptoms of clot formation and deposition such as, chest pain, evolving stroke. Report any such findings [...]

Patient was educated on measures to prevent complications due to atrial flutter as follows: Maintain an ideal body weight for height. Maintain compliance with any physical exercise suggested to cut down the weight. Excess body weight can complicate any underlying cardiac conditions, such as, hypertension, congestive heart failure, which can in turn resulting in complicated atrial flutter. Limit intake of caffeinated drinks, such as, coffee. Limit coffee to no more than one cup a day. [...]

Patient was educated on signs and symptoms of atrial flutter as follows: Clot formation The abnormally rapid quivering of the atria can lead to formation of clots with consequent signs and symptoms of thrombosis and embolism. The symptoms can vary depending on the organ systems involved due to the embolus. Shortness of breath Reduced oxygenated blood supply to vital organs can also result in weakness, shortness of breath and dyspnea. Swelling of extremities The ineffective [...]