Certified Rhythm Analysis Technician (CRAT) Practice Exam 2026 – All-in-One Study Guide for Exam Success!

Atrial fibrillation is characterized by an irregular and chaotic rhythm in which the atria experience disorganized electrical activity. This leads to an absence of consistent contraction patterns, causing the heart’s upper chambers (the atria) to quiver rather than contract effectively. As a result, the ventricular response can also become irregular, with varying intervals between heartbeats.

This irregularity is a hallmark of atrial fibrillation, distinguishing it from other rhythms that typically have more organized and predictable patterns. For instance, ventricular tachycardia tends to present with a rapid yet regular rhythm, while supraventricular tachycardia is characterized by a rapid heart rate that often has a consistent pattern. Sinus rhythm, on the other hand, represents a normal and rhythmic heartbeat, regulated by the sinus node. Atrial fibrillation’s chaotic nature is pivotal in its diagnosis and management, as it can lead to a variety of complications including stroke and heart failure if not properly treated.