What is the most common arrhythmia associated with valvular heart disease?

Atrial fibrillation is the most common arrhythmia associated with valvular heart disease due to several factors. Valvular heart disease often leads to structural and functional changes in the heart, particularly in the atria. For instance, conditions such as mitral stenosis and mitral regurgitation can cause left atrial enlargement. This enlargement disrupts normal electrical conduction in the atrium, increasing the likelihood of developing atrial fibrillation.

Moreover, atrial fibrillation can exacerbate the symptoms of valvular heart disease by compromising cardiac output and leading to further complications, such as heart failure and increased risk of thromboembolic events. Patients with valvular issues, especially those over the age of 75 or with concomitant heart diseases, are particularly prone to this arrhythmia.

In contrast, while ventricular tachycardia, atrial flutter, and sinus tachycardia may occur in various cardiac conditions, they are not as commonly associated specifically with valvular heart diseases as atrial fibrillation is. Thus, understanding the pathophysiological mechanisms linking atrial fibrillation to valvular heart disease underscores why it is the most prevalent arrhythmia in this context.