Atrial Flutter (A-Flutter)

Question 1

What is the ECG pattern for atrial flutter?

Answer 1

Sawtooth pattern.

Question 2

What happens in atrial flutter?

Answer 2

Electrical signals spread through the atria in a fast, regular rhythm, and the SA node loses its role as the main pacemaker.

Question 3

What is the heart rate in atrial flutter?

Answer 3

75–150 bpm.

Question 4

How is the rhythm in atrial flutter?

Answer 4

Evenly spaced and regular.

Question 5

Are P waves present in atrial flutter?

Answer 5

No distinct P waves, because the atria are not contracting normally.

Question 6

Is there a PR interval in atrial flutter?

Answer 6

No distinct PR interval, due to abnormal atrial contraction.

Question 7

What does the QRS complex look like in atrial flutter?

Answer 7

Normal and upright.

Question 8

How does atrial flutter affect cardiac output?

Answer 8

Atria do not effectively squeeze oxygen-rich blood, leading to decreased cardiac output.

Question 9

How is atrial flutter different from atrial fibrillation?

Answer 9

Atrial flutter has a regular rhythm, whereas atrial fibrillation has an irregular rhythm.

Question 10

How can heart rate and electrical conduction be controlled in AFib/A-Flutter?

Answer 10

With beta blockers and calcium channel blockers, which slow the heart rate and improve SA node conduction.

Question 11

How can blood clots be prevented in AFib/A-Flutter?

Answer 11

With anticoagulants such as warfarin and heparin.

Question 12

What is cardiac ablation used for?

Answer 12

To burn or freeze abnormal cells that are causing the rhythm problem.

Question 13

When is cardioversion used in AFib/A-Flutter?

Answer 13

If the patient is unstable, to restore a normal heart rhythm.

Question 14

How does digoxin help in AFib/A-Flutter?

Answer 14

It increases contractility (stronger contractions) and slows the heart rate.