The patient experiencing atrial flutter is likely to present with which of the following symptoms?

Atrial flutter is a type of supraventricular arrhythmia characterized by rapid reentrant circuits in the atria. Patients often experience a variety of symptoms due to the increased heart rate and irregular blood flow. The most common symptoms associated with atrial flutter include palpitations, which are sensations of a racing or fluttering heart, and shortness of breath resulting from decreased cardiac efficiency and oxygen delivery.

Palpitations occur because the rapid atrial contractions lead to an irregular heartbeat, which can be perceived noticeably by the patient. Shortness of breath may arise due to compromised cardiac output, especially in those who have pre-existing heart conditions or who are unable to compensate for the heart's increased rate.

In contrast, while some patients may indeed be asymptomatic or experience fainting spells due to transient reductions in cardiac output, these scenarios are not typical. Fainting may occur occasionally due to severe cases but is not a definitive symptom of atrial flutter. Chest pain is a more challenging and less specific symptom directly associated with atrial flutter alone, as it can arise from various etiologies, including myocardial ischemia, and is not commonly reported in a patient with isolated atrial flutter. Therefore, palpitations and shortness of breath are