What is a common complication that arrhythmias may lead to if not managed effectively?

Cardiac arrest is a critical and potentially life-threatening complication that can arise from arrhythmias if they are not effectively managed. Arrhythmias, or irregular heartbeats, can disrupt the normal flow of electrical signals in the heart. When the heart's electrical system is severely compromised, it can lead to chaotic rhythms like ventricular fibrillation or asystole, both of which result in the heart being unable to pump blood effectively. This lack of effective circulation can result in a sudden loss of consciousness and cessation of breathing, leading to cardiac arrest.

While heart failure is a possible outcome of chronic or poorly managed arrhythmias, it typically develops over a longer period and is often associated with a range of underlying conditions, rather than being an immediate risk. Myocarditis is an inflammation of the heart muscle generally caused by infections or autoimmune diseases and isn't directly a complication of arrhythmias. A hypertensive emergency involves acute elevation in blood pressure leading to end-organ damage, which is not a direct consequence of arrhythmias themselves. In managing arrhythmias, timely interventions can prevent the progression to cardiac arrest, making awareness and proactive treatment crucial.