title: [Atrial flutter--diagnosis and therapeutic possibilities].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Atrial flutter and atrial fibrillation are among the most common heart rhythm disturbances in the population, with an assumed prevalence of 1-2%. About 40,000-60,000 Norwegians endure such rhythm disorders, with an increasing occurrence in the elderly population.
  
  
  METHODS
  Surface ECG remains the corner-stone for the clinical diagnosis. We describe the various mechanisms, clinical presentation, and diagnosis based on modern invasive electrophysiological methods of atrial flutter.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The available therapeutic modalities for conversion during episodes and prophylaxis with drugs, various pacing techniques, DC conversion and surgical therapy are discussed.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Radiofrequency catheter ablation is the only available method to cure the patient in a gentle manner.
authors.affiliation: Hjerteavdelingen, Institutt for indremedisin Universitetet i Bergen.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.forename: O J
authors.initials: OJ
authors.lastname: Ohm
authors.forename: P I
authors.initials: PI
authors.lastname: Hoff
authors.forename: O
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Rossvoll
authors.forename: K S
authors.initials: KS
authors.lastname: Erga
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Faerestrand
mesh_terms: D000889:Anti-Arrhythmia Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001282:Atrial Flutter / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D017115:Catheter Ablation; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004554:Electric Countershock; D004562:Electrocardiography; D006801:Humans; D010138:Pacemaker, Artificial
chemical_list: D000889:Anti-Arrhythmia Agents