Atrial Fibrillation vs. Flutter

By behereaxum

Summary

Palpitations. Is it atrial fibrillation, or atrial flutter?

Chapters

  1. Palpitations. Is it atrial fibrillation, or (0s)
  2. In AFib, the atria quiver chaotically (6s)
  3. Atrial flutter is organized. Look for (19s)
  4. So the mechanism differs. AFib means (28s)
  5. Both let blood pool in the (42s)
  6. Manage both with rate control, rhythm (49s)

Transcript

Palpitations. Is it atrial fibrillation, or atrial flutter? On the ECG, the difference is clear. In AFib, the atria quiver chaotically at over three hundred beats per minute. The rhythm is irregularly irregular, with no distinct P waves and a wavy, unpredictable baseline, and the ventricular response varies beat to beat. Atrial flutter is organized. Look for sawtooth flutter waves at about three hundred beats per minute, often conducting two to one, giving a regular rate near one hundred fifty. So the mechanism differs. AFib means multiple chaotic reentry circuits firing at random, giving an irregular rhythm. Flutter means one large organized reentry loop, usually circling the right atrium, staying regular and predictable. Both let blood pool in the atria, forming clots that can travel and cause a stroke. Assess stroke risk carefully. Manage both with rate control, rhythm control, and anticoagulation guided by the patient's stroke risk score. Flutter also responds especially well to catheter ablation. Know the pattern, and you will know the plan.