Atrial Flutter
Objectives
At the end of this chapter, the student should be able to:
- Define atrial flutter, and list the diagnostic criteria of this rhythm. (p 266)
- Discuss the difference between a P wave and an F wave. (pp 266, 268)
- Discuss the atrial reentry circuit at the heart of an atrial flutter, and describe the formation of the “saw-tooth” pattern. (pp 266–268)
- List the most common atrial and ventricular rates found in atrial flutter. (pp 269–270)
- Discuss the width of the QRS complexes, and list some possible causes and studies or techniques to differentiate between them. (pp 271–272)
- Compare the formation of cardioprotective atrioventricular blocks and the concept of atrioventricular conduction ratios. (pp 270–271, 272–273)
- List some clinical conditions or circumstances that are associated with the formation of an atrial flutter. (p 274)
- Accurately identify an atrial flutter on a rhythm strip or ECG. (pp 274–278)
