What ECG finding is most commonly associated with atrial flutter?

The most commonly associated ECG finding with atrial flutter is the presence of F-waves. These are distinctive, sawtooth-shaped waveforms that appear on the ECG, typically most easily observed in the inferior leads (II, III, aVF). The F-waves are a reflection of the rapid and organized atrial electrical activity that characterizes atrial flutter.

In atrial flutter, the atria are usually contracting at a rate of about 240 to 340 beats per minute, leading to the formation of these F-waves rather than a normal sinus rhythm where you would expect to see distinct P-waves preceding each QRS complex. The reentrant circuit responsible for atrial flutter leads to this abnormal wave pattern. Recognizing F-waves is crucial for diagnosing atrial flutter, as they indicate the underlying dysrhythmia that necessitates appropriate management and treatment strategies.

While other ECG findings, such as ST-segment changes or variations in T-wave morphology, could indicate different cardiac conditions or complications, they are not diagnostic of atrial flutter specifically. Similarly, wide QRS complexes are more commonly associated with other forms of arrhythmias, such as ventricular rhythms or certain types of atrioventricular (AV) block, rather than