High BP causes atrial fibrillation, says ESC study

Published On 2021-02-09 05:45 GMT | Update On 2023-10-03 09:11 GMT

Sophia Antipolis: Atrial fibrillation is the most common heart rhythm disorder, affecting more than 40 million individuals globally. People with the disorder have a five times greater risk of having a stroke.

Researchers have found in a new study that high blood pressure may cause atrial fibrillation.

The first evidence from genetic data that high blood pressure is causally associated with the most common heart rhythm disorder is published in the
European Journal of Preventive Cardiology.

Studies in the past have shown an association between high blood pressure and developing atrial fibrillation, but there was no strong evidence of direct causality.

Study author Dr. Georgios Georgiopoulos of King's College London, UK and National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece said: "Establishing that elevated blood pressure causes atrial fibrillation provides further impetus for public health strategies aimed at improving blood pressure control in the general population and for individual efforts to keep levels in check."

To investigate whether blood pressure has a direct impact on the risk of atrial fibrillation, the researchers conducted a naturally randomised controlled trial – called Mendelian randomisation. They used data from the largest genome-wide association study (GWAS) on blood pressure and atrial fibrillation which included more than one million individuals of European ancestry – of which 60,620 had atrial fibrillation and 970,216 did not.

The first step was to identify 894 genetic variants associated with blood pressure. Next, the researchers analysed which of those variants play a role in atrial fibrillation. To conduct the naturally randomised controlled trial, the 894 genetic variants were randomly allocated to all participants at conception, giving each individual a blood pressure level. The investigators then analysed the association between blood pressure and atrial fibrillation.

Elevated blood pressure was associated with an increased risk of atrial fibrillation. Specifically, 1 mmHg rises in systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure and pulse pressure were associated with 1.8%, 2.6% and 1.4% relative increases in the risk of atrial fibrillation, respectively.

Dr. Georgiopoulos said: "The results provide strong evidence of a causal relationship between blood pressure and atrial fibrillation. Using genetic information in the analyses minimises the likelihood of reverse causality (i.e. that atrial fibrillation causes high blood pressure) or that other traits linked with atrial fibrillation (confounders) were responsible. Our study showed that the relationship was not driven by other conditions including coronary artery disease and obesity."

He concluded: "Our findings confirm the hypothesis that atrial fibrillation is preventable. This indicates that strict blood pressure control could be an effective strategy to stop atrial fibrillation and its complications, which include stroke, heart failure, dementia, and depression."

Article Source : European Journal of Preventive Cardiology

Disclaimer: This website is primarily for healthcare professionals. The content here does not replace medical advice and should not be used as medical, diagnostic, endorsement, treatment, or prescription advice. Medical science evolves rapidly, and we strive to keep our information current. If you find any discrepancies, please contact us at corrections@medicaldialogues.in. Read our Correction Policy here. Nothing here should be used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We do not endorse any healthcare advice that contradicts a physician's guidance. Use of this site is subject to our Terms of Use, Privacy Policy, and Advertisement Policy. For more details, read our Full Disclaimer here.

NOTE: Join us in combating medical misinformation. If you encounter a questionable health, medical, or medical education claim, email us at factcheck@medicaldialogues.in for evaluation.

Dr Kamal Kant Kohli-MBBS, DTCD- a chest specialist with more than 30 years of practice and a flair for writing clinical articles, Dr Kamal Kant Kohli joined Medical Dialogues as a Chief Editor of Medical News. Besides writing articles, as an editor, he proofreads and verifies all the medical content published on Medical Dialogues including those coming from journals, studies,medical conferences,guidelines etc. Email: drkohli@medicaldialogues.in. Contact no. 011-43720751

Comments Policy

Our comments section is governed by our Comments Policy . By posting comments at Medical Dialogues you automatically agree with our Comments Policy , Terms And Conditions and Privacy Policy .

High BP causes atrial fibrillation, says ESC study

Similar News

Medical Bulletin 26/July/2025

AI System Shows Consistent Accuracy in Echocardiogram Interpretation: JAMA

Want Lower Blood Pressure? This Juice May Help, Study Finds Out

Loneliness and Anxiety Together May Significantly Heighten Atrial Fibrillation Risk: Study Finds

Machine Learning Flags Key Risks for Early Macular Degeneration: Hypertension, Joint Disorders, and Dyslipidemia: Study

Advanced Age Linked to Poorer TEVAR Outcomes Despite Similar Aortic Remodeling, finds study

Beetroot juice lowers blood pressure in older people by changing oral microbiome, suggests study

Low neighborhood walkability is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease: Study