Which ECG finding is described as saw-toothed waves?

Which ECG finding is described as saw-toothed waves?

• A. Atrial flutter
• B. Atrial fibrillation
• C. Ventricular tachycardia
• D. Sinus rhythm

Answer: (A)

Seeing saw-toothed waves on an ECG points to atrial flutter. Those flutter waves replace the normal P waves and create a distinct, regular, saw-tooth pattern, best seen in leads II, III, and aVF. The atrial activity is rapid and organized, usually about 250–350 beats per minute, with the ventricles often driven at a fixed ratio (commonly 2:1), giving a regular ventricular rate around 150 bpm in many cases. This contrasts with atrial fibrillation, which shows an irregularly irregular rhythm with no distinct P waves and with fibrillatory baselines instead of saw-teeth. Ventricular tachycardia presents as a fast, wide-complex tachycardia arising from the ventricles and lacks these organized atrial flutter waves. Sinus rhythm shows normal P waves preceding each QRS and a regular rhythm.

Seeing saw-toothed waves on an ECG points to atrial flutter. Those flutter waves replace the normal P waves and create a distinct, regular, saw-tooth pattern, best seen in leads II, III, and aVF. The atrial activity is rapid and organized, usually about 250–350 beats per minute, with the ventricles often driven at a fixed ratio (commonly 2:1), giving a regular ventricular rate around 150 bpm in many cases. This contrasts with atrial fibrillation, which shows an irregularly irregular rhythm with no distinct P waves and with fibrillatory baselines instead of saw-teeth. Ventricular tachycardia presents as a fast, wide-complex tachycardia arising from the ventricles and lacks these organized atrial flutter waves. Sinus rhythm shows normal P waves preceding each QRS and a regular rhythm.