What potential consequence can arise from untreated atrial flutter?

Untreated atrial flutter can lead to several serious complications, one of which is cardiac arrest. In atrial flutter, the heart's atria beat rapidly and erratically, often leading to inefficient blood flow and increased pressures within the heart. If this condition persists without treatment, it can ultimately result in decreased cardiac output and a higher risk of heart failure. The fluttering can also increase the likelihood of the heart developing more severe arrhythmias, such as atrial fibrillation or even ventricular fibrillation, which can precipitate cardiac arrest.

While fluid retention can occur due to heart failure as a result of untreated atrial flutter, it is not the immediate or most severe consequence. Similarly, a stable heart rhythm is not achievable without proper management of the condition, and increased energy levels would not typically result from an arrhythmic condition like atrial flutter; instead, patients often experience symptoms such as fatigue and shortness of breath. Therefore, the direct and severe risk of cardiac arrest underscores the importance of timely diagnosis and management of atrial flutter.