What are the physiological consequences of atrial flutter?

Atrial flutter is characterized by a rapid and organized electrical activity in the atria, leading to a fast heart rate. The most significant physiological consequence of this condition is the rapid heart rate, which can result in inefficient blood flow throughout the circulatory system. When the atria flutter, they do not effectively pump blood into the ventricles, which can lead to turbulent blood flow and an increased risk of blood clots forming in the atria. This can consequently heighten the risk of stroke or other cardiovascular complications.

Inefficient blood flow due to the rapid heart rate can place unnecessary strain on the heart, potentially leading to symptoms such as shortness of breath, fatigue, or palpitations, especially under physical exertion. Thus, the correct answer highlights the immediate, clinically significant aspect of atrial flutter—its tendency to disrupt normal hemodynamics by causing a rapid heart rate that compromises blood flow efficiency. In contrast, the other options either downplay the severity of symptoms or describe unrelated conditions that do not accurately represent the physiological effects of atrial flutter.