What can trigger arrhythmias other than structural heart disease?

The correct answer highlights that hypoxia and emotional stress can indeed act as triggers for arrhythmias, aside from any underlying structural heart disease. Hypoxia, or a deficiency in the amount of oxygen reaching the tissues, can disrupt the electrical signals in the heart, which may lead to irregular heartbeats. Emotional stress, on the other hand, can influence the autonomic nervous system, increasing sympathetic activity and potentially resulting in abnormal heart rhythms. Both factors can therefore contribute to arrhythmias by affecting heart function and the balance of heart rate regulation.

In contrast, while exercise and physical activity can momentarily increase heart rate and change how the heart functions, they are typically beneficial and less likely to trigger arrhythmias unless there is an underlying condition. Patient's diet and nutrition can have an impact on overall heart health, but they are less directly associated with causing arrhythmias compared to the immediate effects of hypoxia and stress. Chronic high blood pressure can lead to structural changes over time and may increase the risk of arrhythmias, but it does not act as an immediate trigger in the same way that hypoxia and emotional stress do.