Atrial enlargement resulting from mitral stenosis or other heart diseases may lead to which condition?

Atrial enlargement, particularly as seen in conditions such as mitral stenosis, can lead to atrial fibrillation due to the distension and remodeling of the atrial myocardium. When the atria are enlarged, the electrical conduction pathways can become disrupted, facilitating the development of irregular heart rhythms. Atrial fibrillation is characterized by chaotic electrical activity in the atria, leading to ineffective contractions and a rapid heart rate.

Mitral stenosis causes increased pressure in the left atrium, which over time can result in physical changes to the atrial wall structure, making it more susceptible to arrhythmias. Atrial fibrillation is a common consequence of atrial enlargement and is particularly problematic because it can lead to compromised cardiac output and increase the risk of thrombus formation, which may result in a stroke.

In contrast, the other conditions listed do not primarily result from atrial enlargement related to mitral stenosis. Ventricular tachycardia typically involves the ventricles and is associated with different pathophysiological mechanisms. Myocardial ischemia is more related to oxygen supply issues within the heart muscle and is not a direct consequence of atrial enlargement. Atrial flutter, while also an arrhythmia associated with atrial