Atrial tachycardia treatment and recognition of atrial flutter
THE CONTEXT
The passage completes the treatment discussion of atrial tachycardia and illustrates how atrioventricular (AV) block can make atrial flutter waves visible.
Treatment of atrial tachycardia
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AV node-blocking drugs can control the ventricular response in rapid atrial tachycardias.
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Catheter ablation targets the ectopic focus and should be offered as an alternative to anti-arrhythmic drugs in patients with recurrent atrial tachycardia.
Atrial flutter recordings
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The illustrated recording of atrial flutter with 4:1 AV block shows flutter waves only in leads II and III.
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In the illustrated case of atrial flutter with 2:1 block, carotid sinus pressure produced temporary AV block, revealing flutter waves and establishing the diagnosis.