Which of the following is a common type of arrhythmia?

Atrial fibrillation is recognized as a common type of arrhythmia because it affects a significant portion of the population, particularly among older adults and individuals with certain risk factors such as hypertension and heart disease. It is characterized by rapid and irregular beating of the atria, which can lead to a variety of symptoms, including palpitations, fatigue, and an increased risk of stroke due to the potential for blood clots forming in the atria.

While other arrhythmias like ventricular fibrillation, bradycardia, and tachycardia are also important, atrial fibrillation stands out due to its prevalence and the attention it receives in both clinical practice and research. Ventricular fibrillation, for example, is a medical emergency and less common overall but is critical due to its life-threatening nature. Bradycardia and tachycardia can occur in various clinical settings and may not always indicate a pathological condition, making them less prevalent than atrial fibrillation as a recognized chronic disorder.