What might be a complication related to the use of hydrochlorothiazide in a male patient experiencing palpitations?

Hydrochlorothiazide is a thiazide diuretic commonly prescribed for conditions such as hypertension and edema. One of the well-known side effects of thiazide diuretics like hydrochlorothiazide is the risk of hypokalemia, which refers to low potassium levels in the blood. This occurs because thiazide diuretics increase the excretion of potassium in the urine, leading to diminished serum potassium levels.

In the context of a male patient experiencing palpitations, hypokalemia is particularly significant because low potassium levels can contribute to disturbances in cardiac rhythm and electrical conduction. As potassium is essential for proper myocardial function, its deficiency can lead to arrhythmias, which may manifest as palpitations.

While other options such as hyperkalemia (high potassium), hyponatremia (low sodium), and dehydration may present various risks, they are less directly related to the common effects of hydrochlorothiazide. Hyperkalemia is typically associated with potassium-sparing diuretics, not thiazides. Hyponatremia and dehydration can occur with the use of diuretics, but the complication most closely tied to the use of hydrochlorothiazide and its specific action on electrolytes is hypokalemia