ARTERIAL STIFFNESS PREDICTS ATRIAL FIBRILLATION INCIDENCE IN HYPERTENSIVE SUBJECTS. (April 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Andrikou, I.; Tsioufis, K.; Dimitriadis, K.; Konstantinidis, D.; Papakonstantinou, P.; Tatakis, F.; Anastasiou, A.; Andrikou, E.; Dimitriadou, M.; Tousoulis, D.
• Is Part Of: Journal of hypertension. Volume 39(2021)e-Supplement 1
• Publication Date: 2021-04
• Subjects: Hypertension -- Periodicals; Hypertension -- Periodicals; 616.132005
• DOI: 10.1097/01.hjh.0000745368.89453.10
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1473-5598

Abstract

Abstract : Objective: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia encountered in clinical practice, while hypertension is one of the main factors that influence the development of AF. On the other hand, arterial stiffness is associated with increased blood pressure. The possible relationship between arterial stiffness and AF is not fully elucidated and warrants further investigation. In this setting, we examined the main factors influencing AF development in hypertensive subjects over time. Design and method: 950 hypertensive subjects, without history of AF (mean age 55.7 ± 11years), 53.3% males, with baseline office blood pressure (BP) 145/92mmHg were followed for a mean period of 6.4 ± 3.3 years. At baseline and last follow-up visit all patients underwent office BP and laboratory evaluation. Electrocardiogram test was performed as well as echocardiographical examination, including determination of left ventricular mass index (LVMI) and left atrial volume index (LAVI). At baseline arterial stiffness was estimated by pulse wave velocity (PWV) measurement. Main outcome variable was new onset AF. Results: 5.1% of study population (48 subjects) presented new onset AF during follow-up period. Cox-regression analysis, after adjustment for clinical, biochemical and echocardiographic parameters revealed that baseline age >65years (HR = 2.42, 95% CI 1.11–5.25, p = 0.03), baseline PWV (HR = 1.21 95% CI 1.02–1.44, p = 0.01) and baseline LAVI (HR = 1.08, 95% CI 1.03–1.13, p = 0.006) were independent predictors of new-onset AF during follow-up. Conclusions: In conclusion, beyond increased left atrial volume, pulse wave velocity is a significant determinant of the development of AF in hypertensive subjects. It seems that arterial stiffness evaluation may help in the prediction of AF episodes in hypertensive patients.