Atrial Arrhythmias in Patients with Pulmonary Hypertension.

TOPIC IMPORTANCE: Atrial arrhythmia (AA) are common in patients with pulmonary hypertension (PH) and contribute to morbidity and mortality. Given the growing PH population, it is important to understand the pathophysiology, clinical impact, and management of AA in PH.

REVIEW FINDINGS: AA occurs in PH with a five-year incidence of 10-25%. AA confers a higher morbidity and mortality, and restoration of normal sinus rhythm improves survival and functionality. AA is thought to develop due to structural alterations of the right atrium caused by changes to the right ventricle (RV) due to elevated pulmonary artery pressures. AA can subsequently worsen RV function. Current guidelines do not provide comprehensive recommendations for the management of AA in PH. There is a lack of robust evidence to favor a specific treatment approach. While the role of medical rate or rhythm control, and the use of cardioversion and ablation, can be inferred from other populations, there is a lack of evidence in the PH population. Much remains to be determined regarding the optimal management strategy. We present here our institutional approach and discuss areas for future research.

SUMMARY: This review highlights the epidemiology and pathophysiology of AA in patients with PH, describes the relationship between AA and RV dysfunction, and discusses current management practices. We outline our institutional approach and offer directions for future investigation.