A Link Between Hypertension and Atrial Fibrillation: Methods of Treatment and Prevention

Tonje      A. Aksnes; Sverre      E. Kjeldsen

Abstract

Atrial fibrillation is the most common clinically significant cardiac arrhythmia and is associated with markedly increased risks of cardiovascular diseases. Atrial fibrillation and hypertension often coexist and are both responsible for considerable morbidity and mortality. Aggressive treatment of hypertension, especially with a blocker of the reninangiotensin system, may postpone or prevent development of atrial fibrillation and reduce thromboembolic complications. Awareness of the risk of developing atrial fibrillation in hypertensives may be of great importance and focus on prevention of atrial fibrillation development with optimal antihypertensive treatment may reduce morbidity, mortality and health care expenditures.

Keywords: Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin II type I receptor blockers, atrial fibrillation, hypertension, renin-angiotensin system, cardiac arrhythmia, cardiovascular diseases, thromboembolic complications, Framingham Heart Study, systolic blood pressure, electrocardiogram, ANTIHYPERTEN-SIVE TREATMENT, RAS-blockade, cardiac hypertrophy, left ventricular hypertrophy, beta-blocker, valsartan, calcium channel blockers, (lisinopril), (doxazosin), (chlorthalidone), (losartan), (amlodipine), atenolol/amlodipine, telmisartan, ESH/ESC guidelines, anti-arrhythmic drugs, (ramipril), (irbesartan), myocardial infarction, diltiazem, Diuretics, hydrochlorothiazide, Alpha-Adrenoreceptor Blocker