Case 2
A 45 year old business man presents with a feeling that his heart is racing. He also has some shortness of breath. This is his ECG. Present your findings and give a diagnosis.
| Rate | 150 |
| Rhythm | Regular |
| Axis | Normal |
| PR/P-wave | No p-waves. Seesaw baseline |
| QRS | Narrow |
| QTc/other | Normal |
This is atrial flutter. The atria contract at 300 beats per minute causing a ‘seesaw’ baseline. Beats are transmitted with a 2:1, 3:1 or 4:1 block, leading to ventricular rates of 150, 100 and 75 BPM respectively.
