Atrial fibrillation and hypertension: State of the art.

ABSTRACT

Atrial fibrillation and hypertension are often coexistent. Their incidence increases with advancing age and they are responsible for considerable morbidity and mortality. The relation between theses 2 diseases has long been discussed and determined by clinical studies. Left ventricular hypertrophy and left atrial remodeling during hypertension favor the development of atrial fibrillation. AF during hypertension increases the risk of thromboembolic complications and heart failure. In patients with hypertension, pharmacological treatment may control the cardiac structural changes and retard or prevent the occurrence of atrial fibrillation. In case of atrial fibrillation, treatment should be focused on the control of heart rate and rhythm and the prevention of thromboembolic accidents. A strict control of blood pressure is highly required in this situation.