Final answer:
Atrial flutter is a medical condition that shows a rapid beating of the atria with a saw-tooth pattern on ECG, and is a type of arrhythmia.
Step-by-step explanation:
The medical condition characterized by a coordinated rapid beating of the atria and often presenting with a saw-tooth pattern on an electrocardiogram (ECG) is known as atrial flutter. Atrial flutter is a type of supraventricular tachycardia and falls under the category of arrhythmias, which are conditions where the heartbeat is irregular, too fast, or too slow.
The distinctive saw-tooth appearance on an ECG is crucial for the diagnosis of atrial flutter, implying that the heart rate is abnormally high, usually above 100 beats per minute in adults, which is termed as tachycardia. This condition may be associated with symptoms such as palpitations, lightheadedness, shortness of breath, or chest pain, and can predispose individuals to serious complications like stroke or heart failure.
Arrhythmias result from issues with the heart's electrical conduction system and can be life-threatening, warranting interventions such as the use of a cardiac defibrillator to restore normal heart rhythm. Atrial flutter and other arrhythmias are diagnosed with the aid of tests like the ECG or Holter monitor which record the electrical activity of the heart to detect any abnormalities in its rhythm or conduction.