what causes atrial flutter?
Atrial Flutter Causes. Atrial flutter may be caused by abnormalities of the heart, by diseases of the heart, or by diseases elsewhere in the body that affect the heart. Atrial flutter may also be caused by consuming substances that change the way electrical impulses are transmitted through the heart. Atrial flutter can occur after open heart surgery. In a few people, no underlying cause is ever found. Heart diseases or abnormalities that can cause atrial flutter include the following: 1  Decreased blood flow to the heart (ischemia) due to coronary heart disease, hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis), and/or a heart attack. 2  High blood pressure (hypertension).