Abstract:

Objective To investigate the effects of atrial fibrillation complicated with hypertension on endothelial function. Methods Eighty-eight mild to moderate essential hypertension patients were enrolled. Thirty-four of them were complicated with atrial fibrillation. And patients were divided into two groups: hypertension and atrial fibrillation with hypertension. Plasma endothelin(ET), nitric oxide(NO) and indices of heart structure and function were measured by two-dimensional echocardiography. Thirty-four healthy persons matched in age and gender served as control. Results Left atrial diameter was significantly larger in atrial fibrillation with hypertension than in hypertension. Plasma ET level and ET/NO ratio were higher in atrial fibrillation with hypertension than other groups. And the atrial fibrillation with hypertension group had lower NO level as compared with other groups. Conclusion These findings suggest that atrial fibrillation has effects on atrial remodeling, which is based on hypertension effects. Endothelial function is seriously damaged and decreased in atrial fibrillation with hypertension patients.

Key words: endothelial function, atrial fibrillation, hypertension, endothlin, nitric oxide