Arrhythmias Originating in the Atria

Abstract

Atrial flutter, atrial tachycardias, and atrial fibrillation are the main sustained atrial tachycardias. Reentry, increased automaticity, and triggered activity are atrial arrhythmia's main mechanisms. Atrial flutter is the clinical and theoretical model of reentry. Its classification is based on the atrial chamber involved and the arrhythmia's anatomic path. Ablative procedures for atrial fibrillation have created several new reentrant tachycardias. Electrocardiography (ECG) identifies the site of origin of focal atrial tachycardias and the mechanism of these arrhythmias. ECG is fundamental in the diagnosis of atrial fibrillation and often allows understanding of its mechanism of origin and maintenance.

Keywords: Atrial arrhythmias; Atrial fibrillation; Atrial flutter; Atrial tachycardia; ECG; Scar-related arrhythmias.