Atrial flutter results from the development of a reentry circuit within the atria generating a loop that discharges impulses at a flutter rate of 250-350 / minute. Most often the AV junction passes every second (rate = 150, called a 2:1 response) or every fourth impulse(rate = 75, called a 4:1 response) through to the ventricles. Atrial flutter is readily identified by the sawtooth baseline.
Heart Rate: 240 to 300 beats per minute
Rhythm: Regular
P wave: No identifiable P waves
PR Interval: Not measurable
QRS: 0.11 or less seconds
Atrial flutter is a cardiac arrhythmia characterized by a rapid and regular atrial rhythm, usually occurring in a sawtooth pattern. It is caused by a reentrant circuit within the atria. Diagnosis is often confirmed through an electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG), which shows distinctive sawtooth-shaped flutter waves.
Rate Control: Medications such as beta-blockers or calcium channel blockers may be prescribed to control the heart rate. Antiarrhythmic medications or procedures like cardioversion may be used to restore and maintain a normal heart rhythm. Anticoagulation Therapy: Similar to atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter increases the risk of blood clots. Therefore, anticoagulant medications (blood thinners) are often prescribed to prevent stroke.