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Atrial and ventricular pressures in atrial flutter.
Pacing and Clinical Electrophysiology : PACE
|May 11, 1999
Summary
Atrial flutter (AF) increases atrial pressures and decreases ventricular pressures, indicating impaired atrial function. These hemodynamic changes occur even without a significantly elevated heart rate.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Electrophysiology
- Hemodynamics
Background:
- The hemodynamic impact of atrial flutter (AF) remains incompletely understood.
- Atrial flutter can lead to significant alterations in cardiac function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the hemodynamic effects of atrial flutter (AF).
- To analyze changes in atrial and ventricular pressures during AF.
Main Methods:
- Hemodynamic study in 23 patients with paroxysmal AF.
- Measurements performed during sinus rhythm and induced AF.
- Analysis of patients with fixed 2:1 AV conduction versus variable conduction.
Main Results:
- Mean right and left atrial pressures significantly increased (P < 0.001) during AF.
- Right and left ventricular end-diastolic pressures significantly decreased (P < 0.001) during AF.
- Hemodynamic changes were more pronounced in patients with fixed 2:1 AV conduction.
Conclusions:
- Atrial flutter impairs atrial function, evidenced by increased atrial pressures and reduced ventricular filling.
- Mechanisms for increased atrial pressure are unclear but may involve atrial contractions against closed AV valves.
- These findings highlight the complex hemodynamic consequences of atrial flutter.