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Catheter Ablation in Combination With Left Atrial Appendage Closure for Atrial Fibrillation
28:13

Catheter Ablation in Combination With Left Atrial Appendage Closure for Atrial Fibrillation

Published on: February 26, 2013

What do we actually know about the relationship between arterial hypertension and atrial fibrillation?

Marijana Tadic1, Branislava Ivanovic, Cesare Cuspidi

  • 1Clinical Hospital Center "Dragisa Misovic", Department of Cardiology, Heroja Milana Tepica 1, University of Belgrade , 11000 Belgrade , Serbia.

Blood Pressure
|July 30, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Arterial hypertension and atrial fibrillation (AF) are increasingly common. Renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) blockade shows promise in preventing AF, supported by clinical trials and guidelines.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Arterial hypertension and atrial fibrillation (AF) are prevalent cardiovascular diseases often co-occurring.
  • Increasing life expectancy contributes to a rising incidence of these conditions, elevating AF as a future cardiovascular risk.
  • Pathophysiological links between hypertension and AF are proposed, alongside theories on the protective role of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) blockade.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the current understanding of AF pathophysiology in arterial hypertension.
  • To evaluate the evidence supporting the protective effects of RAAS blockade on new-onset AF.
  • To discuss the implications for clinical guidelines and management strategies.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature, including pathophysiological studies.
  • Analysis of data from large clinical trials and meta-analyses on antihypertensive therapies.
  • Examination of current and upcoming clinical guidelines for hypertension management.

Main Results:

  • While consensus on AF pathophysiology in hypertension is lacking, clinical evidence supports the beneficial effect of RAAS blockade.
  • Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin II receptor blockers have demonstrated positive effects on AF prevention.
  • Other antihypertensive drugs also show preventive effects on AF occurrence.

Conclusions:

  • RAAS blockade, particularly with ACE inhibitors and ARBs, is recommended for AF prevention in hypertensive patients.
  • Aggressive management of hypertension is crucial for both achieving and maintaining sinus rhythm in patients with AF.
  • Antihypertensive drug choices and treatment strategies should consider AF prevention.

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