The Effect of Persistent Atrial Fibrillation on Blood Pressure
Study Description
Atrial fibrillation (AF) and hypertension impact millions of Americans. While the effect of hypertension on the incidence of AF has been highlighted in several studies (1-3), the effect of AF on blood pressure control remains unknown. We have recently shown that AF was associated with an increase in SNA (4). In addition, AF often leads to atrial stretch and dilatation due to the associated increase in cardiac filling pressures (5-7). Such structural changes might result in attenuation of the cardiopulmonary baroreflex gain, which could also lead to an increase in baseline SNA. The role of sympathoexcitation in hypertension has been highlighted in several studies (8). We have recently observed that restoring sinus rhythm in patients with a history of persistent/incessant supraventricular arrhythmias resulted in improvement of blood pressure control. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of persistent AF on blood pressure. We hypothesize that persistent AF is associated with an increase in BP when compared to normal sinus rhythm.
Contact Information
Status:
Name, Phone, Email:
Brent Hill
801-585-1424
Brent.hill@hsc.utah.edu
Principle Investigator:
Mohamed Hamdan, MD
Please Note:
Study Coordinators and Research Nurses cannot give medical advice over the phone. Telephone numbers are provided for obtaining additional information on specific clinical research trials only. If you have specific questions which require clinical expertise, please call your primary care physician. If you do not have a primary care physician, we can help you find a University of Utah doctor or clinic location to meet your health care needs.
Although the studies described on this Web site may have potential benefits as described, the University of Utah and its physicians and affiliated hospitals cannot and do not guarantee or promise that you will receive any benefits from participating in a study.
Participant Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria:This study will be conducted in patients who have been referred for cardioversion at the University of Utah Health Sciences Center, the VA Salt Lake City Health Care System, the Texas Cardiac Arrhythmia Research Center, the Heart Place in Dallas, TX and the International Heart Institute of Montana by their primary physician.
- Patients with persistent AF (>30 days) referred for cardioversion or radiofrequency ablation
- Meets hospital guidelines for standard DC-cardioversion if referred for cardioversion
- Pacemaker implant
- ICD implant with a pacing set up different than VVI at 40 bpm
- Atrial maze procedure
- The presence of normal sinus rhythm at the time of CV or RF ablation
