A rapid movement, especially of the atria of the heart, which is not controlled by impulses from the sinoatrial node.
Rapid movement back and forth of a part, especially of the heart chambers (atria and ventricles).
A disturbance of normal heart rhythm that, like ‘fibrillation, may affect atria or ventricles. However, the arrhythmia is less rapid and less chaotic. The causes and treatment are similar to those of fibrillation.
The term applied to a form of abnormal cardiac rhythm, in which the atria contract at a rate of 200—400 beats a minute, and the ventricles more slowly. The abnormal rhythm is the result of a diseased heart.
A tremulous movement, especially of the heart, as in atrial and ventricular flutter.
This term typically describes auricular or atrial flutter, a significant irregularity in the heartbeat. In this condition, the heart’s atrium may beat as rapidly as 350 times per minute, as opposed to the usual 70 to 80 beats per minute.