Atrial flutter on an electrocardiogram is characterized by what pattern?

Atrial flutter on an electrocardiogram is characterized by what pattern?

• A. Saw-toothed waves
• B. Rapid, uniform square waves
• C. Large T waves
• D. Flat line with no electrical activity

Answer: (A)

Atrial flutter is defined by a rapid, organized atrial rhythm that creates flutter waves on the ECG. These flutter waves appear as a series of regular, sawtooth-like deflections between QRS complexes, rather than distinct P waves. The atrial rate is typically about 250–350 beats per minute, and the ventricular rhythm depends on how the AV node conducts these impulses (commonly around 150 bpm with 2:1 conduction, but other ratios are possible). This sawtooth pattern is the hallmark feature and distinguishes atrial flutter from other ECG patterns. It is not characterized by large T waves, a flat line with no electrical activity, or rapid, uniform square waves, which would indicate different conditions or recording artifacts.

Atrial flutter is defined by a rapid, organized atrial rhythm that creates flutter waves on the ECG. These flutter waves appear as a series of regular, sawtooth-like deflections between QRS complexes, rather than distinct P waves. The atrial rate is typically about 250–350 beats per minute, and the ventricular rhythm depends on how the AV node conducts these impulses (commonly around 150 bpm with 2:1 conduction, but other ratios are possible).

This sawtooth pattern is the hallmark feature and distinguishes atrial flutter from other ECG patterns. It is not characterized by large T waves, a flat line with no electrical activity, or rapid, uniform square waves, which would indicate different conditions or recording artifacts.