Stroke prevention in patients with atrial fibrillation: The diagnosis and management of hypertension by specialists

Abstract

Hypertension is common in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and is an important cause of stroke. To determine how effectively hypertension is managed among specialist-treated outpatients with AF. Investigators reviewed the charts of patients with a diagnosis of AF cared for by medical specialists to determine the change in blood pressure, patterns of antihypertensive drug use and the role of the specialist in the management of hypertension. Of 209 patients with AF, 118 had a history of hypertension or an office blood pressure greater than 140/90 mmHg. Blood pressure was measured at 73% of all visits. Hypertension was identified as an important problem in 57% of patients and antihypertensive therapy was either initiated or suggested in 77%. One year after the initial specialist visit, systolic blood pressure was significantly lower (140+/-20 mmHg at one year versus 148+/-23 mmHg initially; P=0.015); however, there was no change in diastolic blood pressure (80+/-12 mmHg at one year versus 81+/-16 mmHg initially; P=0.602) and only 50% of patients had a blood pressure less than 140/90 mmHg. In contrast, the percentage of patients receiving warfarin increased from 46% to 78% (P=0.0001). In patients treated by specialists for AF, systolic blood pressure is significantly reduced during follow-up; however, 50% of patients continue to have suboptimal blood pressure control. In many patients, hypertension is not identified as an important comorbid illness and antihypertensive therapy is neither recommended nor initiated by the specialist. Greater specialist involvement in the identification and treatment of hypertension in patients with AF could lead to an important, additional reduction in stroke.