Atrial Flutter (1*) Flashcards
What is its pathophysiology?
What will be seen on ECG?
What are its causes?
➊ Re-entrant circuit in the RA where the electrical signal cycles at 300bpm w/o interruption. Due to the fast atrial rate, the AVN causes a ‘block’ so that some of the atrial activity isn’t conducted to the ventricles. This is a physiological response of the AVN to allow time for ventricular filling. This therefore creates a degree of heart block meaning that only 2:1, 3:1, 4:1, or 5:1 atrial impulses is conducted to the ventricles.
➋ Sawtooth appearance
➌ Similar to that of AF, but is more likely to occur with lung diseases such as COPD, PE, Pulmonary HTN
How does it present?
How is it managed?
➊ Exactly the same as AF
➋ Exact same rate/rhythm control options as AF
N.B. The distinction between AF and Flutter in the acute setting is academic, therefore it doesn’t matter if you are not sure which one it is as they’d be treated the same way!
