What are the blood pressure characteristics of patients with atrial fibrillation?

Atrial fibrillation refers to an irregular and often rapid heart rate that commonly increases the risk of stroke, heart failure, and other complications. It is a relatively common type of arrhythmia, usually associated with factors such as alcohol consumption, obesity, and hypertension. Blood pressure characteristics in patients with atrial fibrillation generally include decreased blood pressure, significant blood pressure fluctuations, reduced pulse pressure, elevated diastolic pressure, and decreased cardiac output. The details are as follows:

1. Decreased Blood Pressure

When a patient experiences atrial fibrillation, the heart's pumping function is impaired, leading to a drop in blood pressure.

2. Significant Blood Pressure Fluctuations

Patients with atrial fibrillation may develop arrhythmias, which can easily cause large fluctuations in blood pressure, resulting in symptoms such as palpitations and shortness of breath.

3. Reduced Pulse Pressure

In patients with atrial fibrillation, each heartbeat produces only one detectable pulse, and the diastolic period is prolonged, leading to a decrease in systolic blood pressure and thus a smaller pulse pressure (the difference between systolic and diastolic pressures).

4. Elevated Diastolic Pressure

In atrial fibrillation, the increased heart rate may lead to higher diastolic blood pressure.

5. Decreased Cardiac Output

The accelerated heart rate in atrial fibrillation shortens the diastolic filling phase, resulting in inadequate ventricular filling, which may reduce cardiac output.

Patients diagnosed with atrial fibrillation should receive treatment under medical supervision, which may include medications such as enteric-coated aspirin tablets or clopidogrel hydrogen sulfate tablets. If any discomfort or symptoms occur, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly.