Atrial Flutter

Question 1

atrial flutter is a rapid and regular form of ____ ______. The continuous atrial depolarisation causes a ______ appearance on ECG.

Answer 1

a rapid and regular form of atrial tachycardia. The continuous atrial depolarisation causes a sawtooth appearance on ECG.

Question 2

AF is usually ______ in terms of duration

Answer 2

paroxysmal

Question 3

what is the mechanism of atrial flutter?

Answer 3

rhythm sustained by a macro-reentrant circuit

Question 4

where is the re-entrant circuit confined to?

Answer 4

the right atrium

Question 5

Chronic atrial flutter usually progresses to ____ _____-

Answer 5

Chronic atrial flutter usually progresses to atrial fibrillation

Question 6

atrial flutter may cause _____ which can lead to sPE

Answer 6

thromboembolism

Question 7

what are the 4 main treatments for atrial fluttr?

Answer 7

• RF ablation
• pharmacoloical therapy - basically same as AF
• cardioversion
• warfarin for prevention of thromboembolism

Question 8

what may cause paroxysmal atrial flutter?

Answer 8

pericarditis, acute respiratory failure