In which condition do heart chambers contract more efficiently than in fibrillation?

Atrial flutter is characterized by a rapid but organized electrical activity in the atria, leading to a more efficient contraction of the heart chambers compared to atrial fibrillation. In atrial flutter, the atria contract in a regular, organized rhythm, allowing for improved filling of the ventricles and more effective blood pumpage into the systemic circulation. The defined pattern of contractions means the atria still work to push blood into the ventricles, enhancing overall cardiac output.

In contrast, atrial fibrillation involves chaotic electrical signals and ineffective contractions, resulting in less optimal blood flow and increased risk for clot formation. Similarly, ventricular flutter is an extremely rapid and disorganized rhythm in the ventricles that can quickly lead to ineffective heart contractions and is often life-threatening if not treated immediately. Heart block can lead to delayed or missed signals between the atria and ventricles, impeding effective contractions.

Therefore, atrial flutter allows for more efficient contractions and a cohesive pumping action compared to the disorganized rhythms seen in the other conditions.