Definition:

Atria beats between 250 to 400 times per minute. In atrial flutter, not every impulse from the atria is conducted to the ventricle. The rhythm may be regular or variable; the ventricular rate usually ranges less than 300 times per minute. 

 

This arrhythmia is characterized by the appearance of the P waves because they look like the teeth of a saw.

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Etiology:

The causes include age, valvular heart disease, coronary artery disease, hypertension, pulmonary disease, or following open heart surgery.

Signs and symptoms:

chest pain, shortness of breath, and low BP. 

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Treatment:

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Drug therapy includes:

Diltiazem, verapamil, beta-blockers, or digitalis for the stable patient to slow conduction at the AV node which will slow the ventricular rate.

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In the unstable patient, Electrical cardioversion is usually indicated.