Final answer:
The feared complications of arrhythmia after an MI include heart failure and cardiac arrest, potentially leading to sudden death. Monitoring and interventions like defibrillation are essential for management. Risk factors for MI also play a role in the likelihood of arrhythmic complications.
Step-by-step explanation:
The complications associated with arrhythmia following a myocardial infarction (MI) are of significant concern due to their potential severity. An MI can cause permanent damage to the heart muscle, increasing the likelihood of arrhythmias, which are abnormal heart rhythms that can be life-threatening. Complications of arrhythmias post-MI can include heart failure, cardiac arrest, and even sudden death. It’s vital for individuals who have had an MI to be closely monitored for the onset of arrhythmias. Notably, arrhythmias can be managed or interrupted with interventions such as the use of a cardiac defibrillator, which delivers an electrical shock to reset the heart's rhythm.
Risk factors for MI should also be considered, as they contribute to the overall risk profile of an individual. Factors such as advanced age, smoking, high levels of LDL cholesterol, low levels of HDL cholesterol, hypertension, diabetes, and obesity, among others, can increase the likelihood of experiencing an MI and subsequent arrhythmic complications.