cardiovascular disorders
Atrial Flutter
Diagnosis of Atrial Flutter
ECG The diagnosis of atrial flutter is by electrocardiography (ECG). In typical flutter, ECG shows continuous and regular atrial activation with a sawtooth pattern, most obvious in leads II, III, and aVF (see figure Atrial flutter ). (Note: Conducted with right bundle branch block.) Carotid sinus massage can increase AV block and better expose the typical flutter waves. A similar response may follow pharmacologic AV nodal blockade (eg, withadenosine), but such therapy does not terminate atrial flutter. 