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Atrial Fibrillation in Hypertension: Patients' Characteristics
Styliani Koutsaki1, Ioannis Koutelekos1, Georgia Gerogianni1
1Program of Postgraduate Studies in "Neurological Disorders- Evidence Based Practice" in Nursing Department of Faculty of Health and Welfare of Technological Educational Institute of Athens, Athens, Greece.
Insights
Hypertension is a key risk factor for Atrial Fibrillation (AF). This study identified patient characteristics linked to AF caused by hypertension, aiding clinical decisions and nursing interventions for better patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Hypertension Research
- Atrial Fibrillation Studies
Background:
- Hypertension is the primary risk factor for developing Atrial Fibrillation (AF).
- Understanding patient characteristics associated with hypertension-induced AF is crucial for targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate specific patient characteristics linked to Atrial Fibrillation (AF) that arises due to hypertension.
- To provide insights for healthcare professionals in managing patients with hypertension and AF.
Main Methods:
- A study involving 170 patients diagnosed with hypertension-induced Atrial Fibrillation (AF).
- Data collection utilized interviews with a researcher-developed questionnaire covering demographic and clinical factors.
Main Results:
- Persistent AF (64.5%) was more common than paroxysmal (21.9%) or permanent (13.6%) AF.
- Patients with persistent AF had lower blood pressure control rates and higher anticoagulant/antiarrhythmic use compared to other AF types.
- Permanent AF was associated with longer disease onset (>5 years) and higher rates of prior hospitalization due to AF.
Conclusions:
- Specific patient characteristics associated with hypertension-induced AF were identified.
- Findings can inform nursing interventions and clinical decision-making for improved patient management.
- Further research into these characteristics may optimize treatment strategies for AF patients with hypertension.
Background:
The most common risk factor for Atrial Fibrillation (AF) development is hypertension.
Purpose:
to explore patients' characteristics associated with AF caused by hypertension.
Methods:
The sample of the study included 170 patients with AF caused by hypertension. Data collection was performed by the method of interview using a questionnaire developed by the researchers of the study for the collection of demographic, clinical and other patients' characteristics.
Results:
Regarding type of AF, 21.9% of the patients had paroxysmal AF while 64.5% and 13.6% had persistent and permanent AF, respectively. Patients who had persistent AF were receiving anticoagulants and antiarrhythmics at a higher percentage (88.8% and 82.2%,respectively) than patients with paroxysmal (69.4% and 72.2%, respectively) or permanent AF (69.6% and 56.5%, respectively). Patients with persistent AF had at a lower percentage their blood pressure controlled than patients with paroxysmal or permanent AF (85.3% vs. 97.3% and 95.7%, respectively). Patients with permanent AF had at a higher percentage >5 years onset of their heart problem (47.8%) than patients with paroxysmal or persistent AF (10.8% and 8.3%, respectively). Patients with permanent AF had at a higher percentage previous hospitalization due to AF (69.6%) than patients with paroxysmal (40.5%) or persistent AF (62%). Lastly, patients with persistent AF were very informed about the state of their health at a higher percentage (33%) compared patients with paroxysmal or permanent AF (13.5% and 26,1%, respectively).
Conclusions:
The present study revealed patients' characteristics that may be helpful when planning nursing interventions or guiding clinical decision-making.