If a patient shows symptoms of palpitations and shortness of breath, which arrhythmia could the ECG strip indicate?

The symptoms of palpitations and shortness of breath can be indicative of several arrhythmias, but in this context, atrial flutter is particularly relevant. Atrial flutter is characterized by a rapid reentrant circuit in the atria, leading to a distinct "sawtooth" pattern on an ECG, often referred to as "F-waves." Patients with atrial flutter may experience symptoms like palpitations due to the increased heart rate and the irregular contraction of the atria, which can result in ineffective pumping of blood. Additionally, the fast-paced rhythm can lead to reduced cardiac output, contributing to the sensation of shortness of breath.

In contrast, while ventricular tachycardia is also associated with palpitations and shortness of breath, it typically presents in a more severe and often life-threatening manner than atrial flutter. Bradycardia, characterized by an abnormally slow heart rate, usually results in fatigue or dizziness rather than the racing sensation of palpitations. Sinus rhythm indicates a normal heart rhythm without the presence of symptoms like those described, making it less likely given the patient's presentation. Therefore, atrial flutter aligns well with the symptoms described, making it the appropriate choice in this scenario.