Atrial Flutter

Question 1

What is atrial flutter?

Answer 1

Irregular organised atrial firing (200-300 bpm), less common + less severe than AF

Question 2

RF?

Answer 2

Atrial fibrillation, also similar ethology to a fib

Question 3

Pathology?

Answer 3

Fast atrial ectopic firing (250-300bpm) causes atrial spasm but not as uncoordinated as A fib
Pathway typically from around tricuspid annulus (opening of valve)

Question 4

Sx?

Answer 4

Dyspnoea
Palpitations

Question 5

Dx?

Answer 5

ECG
F wave saw tooth pattern
often 3:1 block
3 p waves for every QRS

Question 6

Tx for acutely unstable?

Answer 6

DC synchronised cardio version

Question 7

Tx for stable a fib, to prevent further episodes?

Answer 7

Rhythm/rate control = beta blocker with oral anti coag (prevent thromboembolism)
Radiofrequency ablation