What is a likely cause of dysrhythmia (irregular heartbeat)?

High blood pressure and heart disease are significant contributors to dysrhythmias, which are irregularities in the heartbeat. When the heart is under stress due to elevated blood pressure or structural changes caused by heart disease, the electrical conduction system of the heart can become altered. This can result in problems with the heart's rhythm, potentially leading to conditions such as atrial fibrillation or other types of arrhythmias.

While excessive caffeine intake can also cause irregular heartbeats, it tends to be a more transient effect rather than a chronic issue. Low blood sugar levels may lead to symptoms like palpitations but are less directly linked to rhythm disturbances compared to heart-related health issues. Increased physical activity can sometimes cause temporary increases in heart rate but is generally beneficial for heart health and does not commonly lead to dysrhythmias.

In summary, the chronic factors associated with high blood pressure and heart disease make them more likely to cause sustained dysrhythmias, reinforcing the connection between cardiovascular health and heart rhythm stability.