Atrial Flutter

Question 1

PATHOLOGY: Atrial Flutter

Answer 1

1. Atrial re-entry tachycardia
2. = rapid atrial rate (~300 beats/min)
3. Block in atrioventricular node = slower ventricular rate (2:1 or 3:1)

Question 2

AETIOLOGY: Atrial Flutter

Answer 2

Acute cardiac/respiratory problems

e.g. pericarditis, pneumonia

Question 3

CLINICAL FEATURES: Atrial Flutter

Answer 3

• Palpitations
• Dizziness
• Heart Failure
• Tachycardia w/ OR w/i haemodynamic compromise

Question 4

INVESTIGATIONS: Atrial Flutter

Answer 4

ECG

-saw tooth pattern w/ AV block

Question 5

MANAGEMENT: Atrial Flutter

Answer 5

Rate control
-anti-arrhythmics, anticoagulation

Curative

• DC cardioversion
• Catheter ablation of aberrent pathway