Ventricular flutter

This code describes a rapid, irregular electrical activity originating in the ventricles of the heart, leading to ineffective ventricular contractions. It is a life-threatening arrhythmia that can quickly degenerate into ventricular fibrillation and cardiac arrest.

Use this code when documentation explicitly states "ventricular flutter" as the patient's diagnosis. This diagnosis is typically made based on electrocardiogram (ECG) findings showing a characteristic "sawtooth" pattern.

• Differentiate from ventricular fibrillation (I47.2) which involves chaotic electrical activity rather than organized flutter waves.
• Always sequence this code as a principal diagnosis if it is the reason for the encounter, especially in emergent situations.
• Ensure the medical record clearly distinguishes ventricular flutter from other ventricular tachyarrhythmias.