The incidence of supraventricular arrhythmias in patients with essential arterial hypertension--clinical and evolutive correlations.

AIM OF THE STUDY The analysis of supraventricular rhythm disorders encountered in hypertensive patients and the establishment of correlations with other associated risk factors, duration of hypertension, the evolution and prognosis. MATERIAL AND METHODS The study included a group of 110 patients, 80 men and 30 women, aged between 40 and 85, admitted in the 1st Cardiology Clinic during 2010-2013, diagnosed with essential arterial hypertension second and third degree. For the detection of arrhythmic events surface 12-lead ECG and 24-hour Holter monitoring were used. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Supraventricular arrhythmias encountered in the patients of the group were: ESA (mostly isolated, but also doublets, atrial bigeminy), atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, sinus tachycardia, sinus bradycardia. Some arrhythmias may be an expression of the excessive activation of the sympathetic nervous system or on the contrary, vagal predominance, (ex. sinus bradycardia). Part of the arrhythmias occurring in hypertensive patients are hypertensive heart disease expressions, others are due to associated risk factors (smoking, alcohol) and even medication administered. In some cases, rhythm disturbances disappear with the normalization of the blood pressure; however, most of the times, the specific combination of anti-arrhythmic medication with antihypertensive medication is required. CONCLUSIONS Supraventricular arrhythmias are frequently found in hypertensive patients, especially in those with long-term, uncontrolled hypertension, with impact on the evolution, prognosis and therapeutic management.