What is the typical atrial rate in atrial flutter?

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Multiple Choice

What is the typical atrial rate in atrial flutter?

Atrial flutter is characterized by rapid, regular atrial activity caused by a macroreentrant circuit in the atria, producing the classic sawtooth flutter waves. The atrial rate in this rhythm is typically in the 250–350 beats per minute range, which is why this is the best answer. The ventricles often beat more slowly because the AV node imposes a conduction limit, commonly giving a ventricular rate around 125–150 bpm when there is 2:1 conduction, though the exact rate depends on the degree of AV block (3:1, 4:1, etc.). This rapid, organized atrial activity helps distinguish flutter from sinus tachycardia (60–100 bpm) and from atrial fibrillation, which has an irregular rhythm with no discrete flutter waves and a higher, variable atrial rate.

Atrial flutter is characterized by rapid, regular atrial activity caused by a macroreentrant circuit in the atria, producing the classic sawtooth flutter waves. The atrial rate in this rhythm is typically in the 250–350 beats per minute range, which is why this is the best answer. The ventricles often beat more slowly because the AV node imposes a conduction limit, commonly giving a ventricular rate around 125–150 bpm when there is 2:1 conduction, though the exact rate depends on the degree of AV block (3:1, 4:1, etc.). This rapid, organized atrial activity helps distinguish flutter from sinus tachycardia (60–100 bpm) and from atrial fibrillation, which has an irregular rhythm with no discrete flutter waves and a higher, variable atrial rate.

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