ECG: Atrial Flutter

An ECG strip shows the presence of atrial flutter, which involves rapid uncoordinated contraction of the atria. Atrial flutter is indicated by a very rapid (250 to 350 beats per minute) rate and a ?saw tooth? pattern. In this case, the ventricular (QRS) rate is also fast. A normal ECG strip is shown at the bottom for comparison.

(From D Dubin, Rapid Interpretation of EKGs, 1996, Cover Inc., p. 95, 155; with permission.)