BAMC Telemetry Practice Test 2025 – Complete Study Guide

The defining characteristic of atrial flutter is indeed its regular pattern, often described as having a "sawtooth" appearance, particularly in the atrial waves. This visual pattern is referred to as "F-waves" and is most commonly seen in the inferior leads of an electrocardiogram (ECG), specifically the inferior leads II, III, and aVF.

In atrial flutter, the atria contract rapidly and regularly, usually at a rate between 240 and 340 beats per minute, giving rise to the characteristic sequential and rhythmic nature of the sawtooth waves, which are indicative of the fluttering motion of the atria. This regularity differentiates atrial flutter from other types of arrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation, which is characterized by an irregularly irregular rhythm. The regular pattern with the distinctive appearance can help clinicians identify this condition quickly and decide on appropriate management strategies.