Final answer:
On an ECG of a patient with Atrial Fibrillation, no consistent P waves are seen and instead a wavy baseline indicative of erratic atrial activity is noted, leading to an irregularly irregular rhythm. The frequency between QRS complexes also increases, resulting in an irregular and often rapid heart rate.
Step-by-step explanation:
An Electrocardiogram (ECG) can provide significant insight into the functioning and condition of a patient's heart. In the case of Atrial Fibrillation (A fib), there are characteristic abnormalities that can be observed on an ECG reading. Specifically, the ECG exhibits an irregular and often rapid rhythm due to the disorganized electrical activity in the atria. No distinct or consistent P waves are noticeable, as atrial activity is erratic, and instead of the regular P waves, you may see a wavy baseline which is sometimes referred to as fibrillatory waves. This manifests on the ECG as what is called an irregularly irregular rhythm, signified by an abnormal electrical pattern before the QRS complexes. The QRS complexes will appear at an irregular frequency, which can make the heart rate (pulse) to become irregular and often faster than normal. As ECG technology advances, diagnosis via portable ECG monitors has become more accessible.