ECG changes in atrial fibrillation (AF)
Last reviewed 01/2018
The characteristic ECG changes seen in atrial fibrillation are:
- no P waves - a irregular baseline is seen
- irregular QRS complexes
- normal QRS complexes
- flutter-like waves may be seen transiently in V1
This condition is sometimes confused with atrial flutter; where the atrial rate is greater than 250 and there is a consequent atrio-ventricular block because the ventricles cannot match the atrial rate. In atrial flutter there may be a 'saw-tooth' appearance of the baseline. The QRS complexes are normal in atrial flutter.