Which complication can occur due to prolonged dehydration in patients with atrial flutter?

Prolonged dehydration in patients with atrial flutter can lead to several complications, one of the most serious of which is the risk of stroke or systemic embolization. Atrial flutter is characterized by abnormal electrical activity in the heart, which can lead to the formation of blood clots in the atria. When a patient is dehydrated, blood volume decreases, which can exacerbate the issues with blood flow and increase the likelihood of stagnation in the atria.

This stagnation can result in the formation of clots, which can then travel to other parts of the body, leading to systemic embolization or a stroke, particularly if these clots reach the brain. This risk is heightened in the context of atrial flutter because the arrhythmia itself predisposes individuals to thrombus formation due to ineffective atrial contraction. Recognizing the connection between prolonged dehydration and these serious complications is crucial for managing patients with atrial flutter effectively.

In contrast, while increased heart rate can occur in dehydration, and asymptomatic atrial fibrillation may be present, they are not as direct or severe as the risk of stroke or systemic embolization. Pneumonia, although a potential health complication, is not directly linked to atrial flutter or its dehydration