Final answer:
Atrial fibrillation is an irregular and fast heart rhythm characterized by 3 distinct forms of P waves. It is common in COPD patients. Treatment options include medication, cardioversion, and catheter ablation.
Step-by-step explanation:
An irregular rhythm that is fast (atrial rate over 100 ppm), characterized by 3 different, distinct forms of P waves, is a type of arrhythmia called atrial fibrillation. Atrial fibrillation is a common arrhythmia in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In this condition, the electrical signals in the atria of the heart become chaotic, causing the atria to quiver or fibrillate instead of contracting properly.
As a result, the atria do not pump blood effectively, leading to an irregular and often rapid heart rate. This can cause symptoms such as palpitations, shortness of breath, and fatigue. Treatment options for atrial fibrillation may include medication to help regulate the heart rhythm, electrical cardioversion to restore a normal rhythm, or catheter ablation to eliminate the abnormal electrical signals.