Risk factors for Atrial Flutter

The following factors increase your chance of developing atrial flutter. If you have any of these risk factors, tell your doctor:

• Heart disease
• Heart surgery
• History of high blood pressure (hypertension)
• Abnormalities of the heart or heart valves (eg, hypertrophy, mitral valve prolapse )
• Overactive thyroid gland ( hyperthyroidism )
• History of chronic lung disease (eg, emphysema , chronic obstructive pulmonary disease )
• High levels of stress or anxiety
• Chronic use of caffeine, alcohol, diet pills, or certain types of prescription or over-the-counter medication (such as cold medicines)

Atrial flutter is more likely to develop in older adults.