In cases of acute ischemia, what arrhythmia is frequently observed?

Acute ischemia commonly leads to the development of various arrhythmias due to compromised blood flow and supply to the heart muscle, which can result in disruptions to the heart's electrical activity. Among the various types of arrhythmias, atrial fibrillation is frequently observed during instances of acute ischemia.

This is mainly due to the fact that ischemia can cause electrical instability in the atria and disrupt the normal conduction pathways. This electrical instability can lead to the rapid and irregular heartbeat characteristic of atrial fibrillation, as the atrial tissue becomes increasingly susceptible to ectopic impulses. Factors such as increased atrial pressure and stretch, in conjunction with the loss of healthy myocardium, further predispose a patient to this arrhythmia during ischemic events.

The other options presented, while they may occur in different contexts of heart disease or stress, do not typically manifest as frequently in acute ischemic scenarios as atrial fibrillation. Bradycardia may occur in certain situations but is usually more associated with increased vagal tone or conduction disturbances rather than acute ischemia. Ventricular tachycardia, while a significant risk in ischemic heart disease, is typically more associated with myocardial infarction or severe disease rather than during the initial phase