Which arrhythmia is characterized by the presence of distinct "sawtooth" P waves?

Atrial flutter is characterized by the presence of distinct "sawtooth" P waves, commonly referred to as "F-waves" or "flutter waves." This pattern is indicative of the rapid reentrant circuit that occurs in the right atrium, leading to a specific rhythm that can be visualized on an electrocardiogram (ECG). These sawtooth waves are particularly prominent in the inferior leads (II, III, aVF) and create a unique visual appearance that allows clinicians to identify atrial flutter distinguishably.

The frequency of these F-waves can vary, but they often appear at a rate of about 300 beats per minute, representing the rapid atrial activity that occurs in this arrhythmia. Recognizing the sawtooth pattern is crucial as it aids healthcare professionals in diagnosing atrial flutter and differentiating it from other arrhythmias, which may present with different waveforms or rhythm characteristics.

In contrast, other options like atrial fibrillation do not have identifiable P waves, leading to a chaotic and irregular atrial activity. Ventricular fibrillation is characterized by erratic electrical activity with no clear wave forms, making it life-threatening and requiring immediate intervention. Supraventricular tachycardia