A Link Between Hypertension and Atrial Fibrillation: Methods of Treatment and Prevention

Atrial fibrillation is the most common clinically significant cardiac arrhythmia and is associated with markedly increased risks of cardiovascular diseases. Atrial fibrillation and hypertension often coexist and are both responsible for considerable morbidity and mortality. Aggressive treatment of hypertension, especially with a blocker of the reninangiotensin system, may postpone or prevent development of atrial fibrillation and reduce thromboembolic complications. Awareness of the risk of developing atrial fibrillation in hypertensives may be of great importance and focus on prevention of atrial fibrillation development with optimal antihypertensive treatment may reduce morbidity, mortality and health care expenditures.