Hypertension is a very important etiology and risk factor for atrial fibrillation, and data show that elevated blood pressure can increase the incidence of atrial fibrillation by 1.4-1.5 times. A number of studies have shown that hypertension combined with atrial fibrillation has an additive effect on the harm of patients. In patients with atrial fibrillation combined with hypertension, the risk of stroke (commonly known as cerebral thrombosis) is additionally increased by 2-3 times. From the above data, it is not difficult to see that hypertension is closely related to the occurrence, development and prognosis of atrial fibrillation.
So how does high blood pressure trigger and promote the occurrence and development of atrial fibrillation? At present, the specific mechanism of hypertension-induced atrial fibrillation is still unclear, but current research has found that there are two main reasons:
1.Elevated blood pressure causes hemodynamic changes that cause atrial fibrillation: Elevated blood pressure increases the pressure load on the left ventricle and left atrium, causing cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and cardiac interstitial fibrosis. Left atrial enlargement and atrial fibrosis are two important links in hypertension leading to atrial fibrillation.
2.Activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAS): Renin is synthesized by our normal human kidneys and converted into angiotensin and aldosterone in the body, thereby maintaining electrolyte and fluid balance in the body, maintaining cardiovascular function homeostasis, and regulating blood pressure variety. Various reasons lead to its overactivation, which is an important reason for the increase of blood pressure in patients. These factors lead to the occurrence of atrial fibrillation in hypertensive patients and are also important reasons for the difficulty in maintaining sinus rhythm in patients with atrial fibrillation and patients with atrial fibrillation who have undergone radiofrequency ablation.
Influence of atrial fibrillation on blood pressure measurement and coping methods: Regular monitoring of blood pressure changes is crucial for hypertensive patients. It is possible to evaluate the antihypertensive effect and blood pressure control of current antihypertensive drugs, so as to decide whether to adjust the drug dosage and regimen. But because atrial fibrillation causes the heart to beat irregularly, the pulse is also irregular (called tachycardia), making it difficult to measure blood pressure accurately.
Download the heart rate app for free: AFibCheck on the App Store (apple.com), or search “AFibCheck” from each app market to install the app.
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