What is a common rate for atrial flutter?

What is a common rate for atrial flutter?

• A. 60-100 bpm
• B. 100-150 bpm
• C. 150-200 bpm
• D. Over 200 bpm

Answer: (B)

Atrial flutter is characterized by rapid, regular electrical activity in the atria, typically leading to a heart rate that commonly ranges between 100 and 150 beats per minute. This specific rate occurs due to the nature of atrial flutter, where the atria are firing at a consistent rhythm, often resulting in a ventricular rate that corresponds within this range when AV (atrioventricular) node conduction is intact.

Understanding this phenomenon is essential, as it helps in recognizing atrial flutter on an EKG. In atrial flutter, the distinct "sawtooth" pattern known as "F-waves" is observed, particularly in leads II, III, and aVF. The regularity and specific heart rate indicate that the atrial activity is organized and is driven by a reentrant circuit typically located in the right atrium.

When evaluating the other options, heart rates lower than 100 bpm indicate possible atrial fibrillation or bradycardic atrial flutter, while rates over 150 bpm are often seen in more tachycardic types of atrial flutter or in cases of rapid ventricular response that may lead to potential complications. Rates above 200 bpm could suggest alternative arrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation with