In patients with mitral stenosis, which arrhythmia is most commonly encountered?

In patients with mitral stenosis, atrial fibrillation is the arrhythmia that is most commonly encountered due to the characteristic changes in the heart that occur in response to the stenosis. Mitral stenosis leads to increased pressure in the left atrium as the mitral valve narrows, making it difficult for blood to flow from the left atrium to the left ventricle during diastole. This increased pressure can result in left atrial dilation and enlargement, creating an environment that is conducive to the development of atrial fibrillation.

Atrial fibrillation is associated with chaotic electrical activity in the atria, and the structural changes caused by mitral stenosis predispose the atria to this type of arrhythmia. The irregular, fast heartbeat can lead to reduced cardiac output and further complications, making it a significant concern in the management of patients with mitral stenosis.

Other arrhythmias such as atrial flutter and paroxysmal atrial tachycardia can occur in the context of cardiac conditions but are not as commonly associated with mitral stenosis as atrial fibrillation. Atrioventricular dissociation, while possible, is usually related to more complex electrical conduction issues rather than the specific