What is the typical rate range for atrial flutter?

What is the typical rate range for atrial flutter?

• A. 150-200 beats per minute
• B. 200-250 beats per minute
• C. 250-350 beats per minute
• D. 350-450 beats per minute

Answer: (C)

Atrial flutter is characterized by a rapid reentrant circuit that typically generates a distinct pattern of heartbeats known as "flutter waves." The common atrial flutter, particularly typical atrial flutter (also referred to as type I atrial flutter), usually exhibits a consistent atrial rate around 240-340 beats per minute in its atrial activity. However, in most clinical scenarios, the ventricular response (the rate observed from the QRS complexes on the EKG) may be less than this due to varying degrees of conduction through the AV node.

When considering the typical rate associated with atrial flutter, it can be observed that the range around 250-350 beats per minute aligns with the atrial rates observed, especially on the higher end. This aligns well with the understanding of atrial flutter dynamics where the atria contract at a rapid pace but may not always translate directly to a similar ventricular rate due to AV nodal block patterns. Thus, the range of 250-350 is representative of the higher end of atrial flutter rates.