What is the characteristic heart rate in atrial flutter?

Atrial flutter is often characterized by a rapid heart rate that typically ranges from 240 to 340 beats per minute. This arrhythmia arises from a reentrant circuit in the atria, commonly in the right atrium, leading to the rapid and organized contraction of the atrial myocardium.

In atrial flutter, the classic "sawtooth" pattern, known as "F-waves," can be observed on an electrocardiogram (ECG), most prominently seen in the inferior leads. This rapid atrial activity usually results in a corresponding ventricular response, which can vary depending on the conduction through the atrioventricular (AV) node but most commonly remains within the range of 120 to 180 beats per minute during typical atrial flutter episodes when the AV node conducts impulses at a 2:1 or 1:1 ratio.

Understanding the heart rates associated with atrial flutter is crucial for effective diagnosis and management, as it helps distinguish this arrhythmia from others, such as atrial fibrillation, which usually presents with a more variable heart rate.