The atrial fibrillation ECG is a common cardiac exam result observed by an electrocardiogram technician. Individuals who have this condition will experience a rapid and irregular cardiac contraction of the top two chambers. This type of activity overwhelms the sinoatrial node that would otherwise regulate an atrial contraction. Although a technician will not be required to provide an advanced medical evaluation of the examination results, it is worthwhile to have a very basic understanding of the disease and its wave characteristics.

Disease Mechanism

The mechanism of this condition is not completely understood, but is believed to occur as a result of a focused area of electrical activity might occur due to an increase in automaticity in the atria or near the pulmonary veins which requires a substrate for continuation and maintenance. The multiple wavelet theory states that waves travel aimlessly through the atria and may be maintained by re-entry circuits that result from … Click Here to Continue Reading