Hypertension and cardiac arrhythmias: a review of the epidemiology, pathophysiology and clinical implications

Abstract

Hypertension is commonly associated with cardiac arrhythmias in patients with and without concomitant cardiovascular disease. Experimental and epidemiological studies have demonstrated potential links between hypertension and atrial and ventricular arrhythmias, although the underlying pathophysiological mechanism remains unclear. Nonetheless, the importance of hypertension as a cause of atrial and ventricular arrhythmias is not well recognized. In particular, the occurrence of left ventricular hypertrophy is a strong predictor for the development of AF, ventricular ectopy and sudden cardiac death. Recent prospective clinical trials reveal that antihypertensive therapy may delay or prevent the occurrence of cardiac arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death in patients with hypertension. Although antihypertensive agents that block the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system appear to protect against cardiac arrhythmias, this needs to be confirmed by current ongoing clinical trials.

Influence of the Type and Degree of Left Ventricular Hypertrophy on the Prevalence of Ventricular Arrhythmias in Patients with Hypertensive Heart Disease

“…A large number of clinical and epidemiologic studies [1,2] have reported a correlation between the mass increase of the left ventricle (LV) and the risk of disease or death. The prevalence of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) in patients with essential hypertension may be as high as 40% (12-70%) [3].…”

Biochemical and Histopathological Toxicity by Multiple Drug Administration

“…There are studies which show the possible links between hypertension and atrial and ventricular arrhythmias, though the principal pathophysiological mechanism remains unclear (Yiu and Tse, 2008). The prevalence and risk factors for arrhythmias vary among men and women (Wolbrette et al, 2002).…”

Influence of Patern and Degree of Left Ventricular Hypertrophy on Cardiac Arrhythmias

“…A large number of clinical and epidemiological studies [1,2] have reported a correlation between the mass increase of the left ventricle (LV) and the risk of disease or death. The prevalence of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) in patients with essential hypertension may be as high as 40% (12%-70%) [3].…”