Koraćević G, Mićić S, Stojanović M, Zdravkovic M, Simić D, Kostić T, Atanasković V, Janković-Tomašević R. Beta-blockers in Hypertensive Left Ventricular Hypertrophy and Atrial Fibrillation Prevention.
Curr Vasc Pharmacol 2024;
22:19-27. [PMID:
38031765 DOI:
10.2174/0115701611264647231110101700]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Revised: 09/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Hypertensive left ventricular hypertrophy (HTN LVH) is a key risk factor for atrial fibrillation (AF).
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the possible role of beta-blockers (BBs) in addition to a renin-angiotensinaldosterone system (RAAS) blocker in AF prevention in patients with HTN LVH.
METHODS
We performed a PubMed, Elsevier, SAGE, Oxford, and Google Scholar search with the search items 'beta blocker hypertension left ventricular hypertrophy patient' from 2013-2023. In the end, a 'snowball search', based on the references of relevant papers as well as from papers that cited them was performed.
RESULTS
HTN LVH is a risk factor for AF. In turn, AF substantially complicates HTN LVH and contributes to the genesis of heart failure (HF) with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). The prognosis of HFpEF is comparable with that of HF with reduced EF (HFrEF), and, regardless of the type, HF is associated with five-year mortality of 50-75%. The antiarrhythmic properties of BBs are wellrecognized, and BBs as a class of drugs are - in general - recommended to decrease the incidence of AF in HTN.
CONCLUSION
BBs are recommended (as a class) for AF prevention in several contemporary guidelines for HTN. LVH regression in HTN - used as a single criterion for the choice of antihypertensive medication - does not capture this protective effect. Consequently, it is worth studying how meaningful this antiarrhythmic action (to prevent AF) of BBs is in patients with HTN LVH in addition to a RAAS blocker.
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