| Abstract [eng] |
Background. The majority of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF) cases are caused by primary arterial hypertension (PAH). Identifying the patients with an increased risk of the arrhythmia in this population would allow us to prevent AF and its complications. Aim. To define the cardiovascular factors that would allow to identify patients with paroxysmal AF or an increased risk of the arrhythmia in the population of patients with PAH. Methods. In a PAH population two groups were compared: patients with paroxysmal AF (n=68) and patients without episodes of the arrhythmia (n=65). Blood tests, ultrasound of the heart determining left atrial (LA) function parameters, 24-hour ambulatory ECG and arterial blood pressure monitoring were performed for all the patients. Results. Binary logistic regression analysis revealed that lower LA ejection fraction (p=0.025), LA reservoir strain (p=0.001), LA reservoir strain rate (p<0.001) and higher number of short-run atrial tachyarrhythmia episodes during 24-hour ambulatory ECG monitoring (p=0.013) were linked to paroxysmal AF. Conclusions. In the population of patients with PAH, heart ultrasound parameters of the LA (reservoir strain, reservoir strain rate, and ejection fraction) and the number of short-run atrial tachyarrhythmia episodes during 24-hour ambulatory ECG monitoring can predict paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. |
