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Restoring Sinus Rhythm Improves Baroreflex Function in Patients With Persistent Atrial Fibrillation.
Michael E Field1, Stephen L Wasmund1, Richard L Page1
1Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI.
Atrial fibrillation (AF) impairs baroreflex function. Restoring sinus rhythm (SR) in AF patients significantly improves baroreflex gain, suggesting AF itself contributes to this impairment.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Autonomic Nervous System Function
Background:
- Patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) may exhibit baroreflex impairment.
- The cause of this impairment (comorbidities vs. AF itself) remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if AF is associated with baroreflex function impairment.
- To determine if AF itself is a contributing factor to baroreflex dysfunction.
Main Methods:
- Compared baroreflex gain (BRG) in 24 persistent AF patients undergoing cardioversion versus a control group.
- Measured BRG in AF patients before cardioversion and 30 days post-cardioversion if sinus rhythm (SR) was maintained.
Main Results:
- AF patients had significantly lower mean BRG compared to controls (5.2±3.6 vs. 10.8±5.5 ms/mm Hg).
- In patients who maintained SR, BRG increased significantly from Day 1 (4.1±3.7) to Day 30 (7.0±6.0 ms/mm Hg).
Conclusions:
- Atrial fibrillation is linked to impaired baroreflex function.
- Restoration of sinus rhythm improves baroreflex gain, indicating AF may contribute to baroreflex impairment.
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