Mitral stenosis is commonly associated with which rhythm disturbance?

Mitral stenosis is commonly associated with which rhythm disturbance?

• A. Sinus rhythm
• B. Atrial fibrillation
• C. Atrial flutter
• D. Ventricular tachycardia

Answer: (B)

Mitral stenosis raises pressure in the left atrium and causes its gradual enlargement and remodeling. This enlarged atrium provides a substrate for chaotic, disorganized electrical activity, so atrial fibrillation develops most commonly. In this rhythm, the atria lose coordinated contraction, leading to an irregularly irregular heartbeat and reduced diastolic filling, which can worsen symptoms and increase the risk of thromboembolism in mitral stenosis. Atrial flutter can occur, but it’s less common, while sinus rhythm and ventricular tachycardia are not the typical rhythm disturbances associated with this condition.

Mitral stenosis raises pressure in the left atrium and causes its gradual enlargement and remodeling. This enlarged atrium provides a substrate for chaotic, disorganized electrical activity, so atrial fibrillation develops most commonly. In this rhythm, the atria lose coordinated contraction, leading to an irregularly irregular heartbeat and reduced diastolic filling, which can worsen symptoms and increase the risk of thromboembolism in mitral stenosis. Atrial flutter can occur, but it’s less common, while sinus rhythm and ventricular tachycardia are not the typical rhythm disturbances associated with this condition.