What are the different types of atrial flutter?

Typically, the AV conduction ratio is 1:1 , that is, a QRS complex follows each P wave. First degree AV block usually produces no symptoms in the patient. However, this condition can progress to a higher degree AV block. Because this condition may get worse, patients are usually observed carefully.

Atrial flutter, a supraventricular arrhythmia , is one of the most common rhythm disturbances of the heart. It is characterized by a fast atrial rate with a fixed or variable ventricular rate. There are several atrial contractions to one ventricular contraction and symptoms include fatigue, palpitations, and syncope.

Atrial flutter is usually paroxysmal and only rarely chronic. Untreated persons with atrial flutter and no disease of the AV junction usually have a 2:1 AV conduction response with an atrial rate of about 300 beats/min and a ventricular rate of 150 beats/min. Over time, atrial flutter usually degenerates into AF.