What pattern of heart rhythm would you expect in a patient with atrial flutter?

In a patient with atrial flutter, the expected pattern of heart rhythm is characterized by a regular rhythm that can vary in rate depending on factors such as the conduction ratio of impulses through the atrioventricular (AV) node. The hallmark of atrial flutter is the presence of rapid atrial activity, often seen as "sawtooth" waves on an electrocardiogram (ECG), commonly referred to as "F-waves," which create a consistent pattern of atrial contraction.

The regularity of the rhythm stems from the organized nature of impulses fired from the atrium, usually at a rate around 300 beats per minute, particularly in the case of a typical atrial flutter with a 2:1 AV block. The variable rate can occur if there is a different conduction through the AV node, resulting in variations in the ventricular response. This organization and periodicity are what distinguish atrial flutter from other arrhythmias, emphasizing that while the rhythm can vary, the underlying pattern remains consistent in its regularity.

In contrast, other heart rhythm abnormalities present different characteristics; for instance, an irregularly irregular rhythm signifies a chaotic rhythm with no discernible pattern, often seen in conditions like atrial fibrillation. Regular