Which arrhythmia is characterized by a rapid atrial depolarization rate between 350 and 600 beats per minute?

Which arrhythmia is characterized by a rapid atrial depolarization rate between 350 and 600 beats per minute?

• A. Atrial Fibrillation
• B. Atrial Flutter
• C. Ventricular Tachycardia
• D. Premature Atrial Contraction

Answer: (A)

The arrhythmia characterized by a rapid atrial depolarization rate between 350 and 600 beats per minute is Atrial Flutter. In this condition, there is a reentrant circuit typically located in the right atrium, leading to a rapid and regular atrial contraction. The hallmark of Atrial Flutter is the presence of "F-waves" (flutter waves) on the ECG, which appear as a series of sawtooth patterns often best seen in the inferior leads (II, III, aVF). In contrast, Atrial Fibrillation presents with an irregularly irregular rhythm without distinct P-waves, resulting from chaotic electrical activity in the atria, but it does not reach the rapid depolarization rates seen in Atrial Flutter. Ventricular Tachycardia originates from the ventricles and involves a different mechanism altogether, often producing a very different appearance on an ECG. Premature Atrial Contractions are isolated events that do not create sustained atrial rhythms and occur less frequently than Atrial Flutter. Thus, the defining characteristics and rate of depolarization solidify Atrial Flutter as the correct answer.

The arrhythmia characterized by a rapid atrial depolarization rate between 350 and 600 beats per minute is Atrial Flutter. In this condition, there is a reentrant circuit typically located in the right atrium, leading to a rapid and regular atrial contraction. The hallmark of Atrial Flutter is the presence of "F-waves" (flutter waves) on the ECG, which appear as a series of sawtooth patterns often best seen in the inferior leads (II, III, aVF).

In contrast, Atrial Fibrillation presents with an irregularly irregular rhythm without distinct P-waves, resulting from chaotic electrical activity in the atria, but it does not reach the rapid depolarization rates seen in Atrial Flutter. Ventricular Tachycardia originates from the ventricles and involves a different mechanism altogether, often producing a very different appearance on an ECG. Premature Atrial Contractions are isolated events that do not create sustained atrial rhythms and occur less frequently than Atrial Flutter.

Thus, the defining characteristics and rate of depolarization solidify Atrial Flutter as the correct answer.