If you’ve ever had atrial fibrillation (AFib), you’re no stranger to the sensation of your heart dancing to its own rhythm. With a fluttering feeling in your chest, you may wonder if your heart can effectively supply blood to the rest of your body.
The way AFib affects blood pressure can be as unique as the individual experiencing it. While some maintain a steady blood pressure even during an AFib episode, many notice a drop in blood pressure during the arrhythmia. Still, for some, blood pressure may unexpectedly rise.
Understanding heart rate and blood pressure
Each time you visit the doctor’s office, you’ve probably had your blood pressure and heart rate checked, but do you really know what these numbers mean or how they are related?
Blood pressure and heart rate are closely connected within the body’s blood circulation system.
- Heart rate: Heart rate measures the number of times the heart contracts in a minute, measured in beats per minute (BPM).
- Blood pressure: Blood pressure is a measurement of how hard the heart must work to circulate blood throughout the body. It measures the force of blood pushing against the blood vessels, recorded in millimeters of mercury (mmHg).
Cardiac output, the amount of blood our hearts pump each minute, is vital in linking heart rate and blood pressure. However, while the two are connected, blood pressure and heart rate don’t always rise and fall in sync. In fact, a rising heart rate may cause blood pressure to drop, which is often the case with atrial fibrillation.
Does atrial fibrillation impact blood pressure?
Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is a type of irregular heartbeat where the upper chambers of the heart (atria) beat chaotically and out of sync with the lower chambers (ventricles). AFib significantly impacts the relationship between heart rate and blood pressure.
During AFib, the atria fail to contract and relax properly, reducing the heart’s pumping efficiency. As a result, the heart may be unable to pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs, leading to a decrease in cardiac output and lower blood pressure. Consequently, many people experiencing an acute AFib episode have low blood pressure (hypotension).
Often, as the body tries to compensate for the lowered blood pressure, it increases the heart rate more, causing it to become even more rapid and irregular. This compensatory response often creates a challenging cycle for individuals with AFib.
However, not everyone experiences a drop in blood pressure during an AFib episode. Sometimes, the body attempts to compensate for the decreased cardiac output by constricting blood vessels. Unfortunately, these adjustments can lead to higher blood pressure (hypertension) during an AFib episode.
High blood pressure as a risk factor for AFib
How the body responds during an acute AFib attack varies depending on the individual. However, it’s important to note that high blood pressure is a significant risk factor for atrial fibrillation. Studies show that up to 80 percent of individuals with AFib have underlying hypertension.
High blood pressure causes strain on the heart and blood vessels, which may lead to structural changes in the heart over time. For example, scar tissue, thickening of the heart muscle, and enlargement of the heart’s chambers can disrupt the electrical pathways, potentially leading to AFib.
Next Steps
Our bodies tend to respond far better to preventive health initiatives than to attempts at course correction once illness has taken hold. Reversing the tide of ill health can be an uphill battle, but rest assured, it’s never beyond reach.
For those grappling with high blood pressure or atrial fibrillation, an array of tangible steps awaits to help address the issue, such as embracing NHD’s holistic “Eat Well, Live Well, Think Well” blueprint. To explore your options further, consider a complimentary 20-minute health strategy session with one of our seasoned health coaches.
