Certified Cardiographic Technician (CCT) Practice Exam 2025 - Free CCT Practice Questions and Study Guide

Atrial fibrillation is characterized by irregular heartbeats that can be identified on an ECG by the absence of distinct P waves and the presence of an irregularly irregular R-R interval. This arrhythmia occurs when the electrical signals in the atria become disorganized, leading to chaotic impulses and subsequently causing the heart to beat unpredictably.

In a normal ECG reading, the heart rhythm is typically consistent, with a regular pattern produced by the orderly conduction of electrical impulses from the sinoatrial (SA) node. In contrast, the disorganized electrical activity in atrial fibrillation results in an erratic rhythm, which is a key marker of this condition. The irregularity and variability in the heartbeats can have significant clinical implications, particularly in increasing the risk of stroke, making the identification of this arrhythmia crucial during ECG assessments.

Understanding the characteristics of atrial fibrillation is essential for healthcare professionals, as it guides treatment decisions and management strategies for patients experiencing this specific arrhythmia.