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Atrial fibrillation and flutter

An ECG & Rhythm Interpretation term on the RCES exam blueprint, defined for cath lab and EP clinicians.

Atrial fibrillation shows an irregularly irregular rhythm with no discrete P waves (chaotic baseline); atrial flutter classically shows a regular sawtooth flutter wave pattern (often best seen in lead II or V1) with a predictable ventricular response ratio (commonly 2:1).

Domain: ECG & Rhythm Interpretation · Blueprint: RCES exam guide

Related RCES terms

WPW / pre-excitation Heart blocks Wide-complex tachycardia differentiation STEMI mimics

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Written and reviewed by John-Philip (JP) Maarschalk, BSN, RN, CNML — a nurse manager who runs operations for the cardiac cath lab, electrophysiology, and interventional service lines at an academic health system in North Carolina. He hires and develops the staff who sit for these exams. More about JP and how this content is made →
Cardiac Codex is an independent study tool published by MdoubleA LLC, not affiliated with or endorsed by CCI or any certifying body. This glossary entry is exam-preparation information, not medical advice or a substitute for clinical judgment. Always verify current clinical practice against primary sources and institutional protocol.