What does atrial fibrillation look like on an EKG?

Atrial fibrillation is characterized by an irregularly irregular rhythm on the electrocardiogram (EKG). This means that the intervals between successive beats are inconsistent, resulting in a chaotic appearance of the heart rhythm. One of the hallmark features of atrial fibrillation is the absence of distinct P waves. Instead of the regular P wave seen in normal sinus rhythm, the EKG during atrial fibrillation shows a baseline that appears erratic, reflecting the disorganized electrical activity in the atria.

This erratic behavior leads to irregular spacing of the QRS complexes, which are the main indicators of ventricular contractions. The lack of clear P waves and the irregularity of the rhythm are key identifiers for healthcare professionals when diagnosing atrial fibrillation on an EKG strip. Recognizing these patterns is crucial for appropriate clinical management of patients with this condition.