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atrial fibrillation & pulmonary hypertension
Does atrial fibrillation cause pulmonary hypertension? When I had AF (last year persistently for six months), my right side pressure in the heart was at the upper reference limit. My proBNP rose to over 2400 (upper ref. limit about 200). I had often ventilation difficulties, chest tightness. My ability to excercise was sometimes poor, sometimes ok. I had atenolol, Digoxin and Marevan medication. Thyroid Erfa was for hypothyroidism.
I have had chest tightness (at the diaphragm) occasionally before the AF and a few times this year. The cause is unknown. I have also had mild obstruction of small bronchiles for a few years (no more in this year). Sarcoidosis is suspected now. There is a small unspecified tumour and a few tiny ones in my lungs.
My heart is now in sinus rhythm, and the pulmonary pressure has dereased.
I have had chest tightness (at the diaphragm) occasionally before the AF and a few times this year. The cause is unknown. I have also had mild obstruction of small bronchiles for a few years (no more in this year). Sarcoidosis is suspected now. There is a small unspecified tumour and a few tiny ones in my lungs.
My heart is now in sinus rhythm, and the pulmonary pressure has dereased.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Welcome to the forum and thank you for your question.
The direct answer to your question is no, atrial fibrillation does not CAUSE pulmonary hypertension. However, patients with atrial fibrillation (afib) can develop pulmonary hypertension, but not because of the afib itself but rather as a result of the condition which is causing the afib (confused yet?).
In other words, atrial fibrillation often occurs in people with high blood pressure or other forms of heart disease. In a smaller percentage of patients, atrial fibrillation occurs for no detectable reason (referred to as “lone atrial fibrillation). Many patients with high blood pressure or other forms of heart disease can develop pulmonary hypertension. However, in most of these cases, the pulmonary hypertension is an “innocent bystander.” In other words, yes the pressures in the pulmonary arteries are elevated but only because the pressures in the left side of the heart are elevated. In order for blood to get from the right side of the heart to the left side, the pressure must be high enough to overcome the elevated left sided pressures (it is actually simple plumbing).
In fact, the treatment for the “pulmonary hypertension” in the above cased scenario would be nothing more than treating the underlying problem (and the pulmonary hypertension will simply go away as well). Your description of mildly elevated right sided pressures (or actually pressures at the upper limit of normal) is typical and should not cause you to worry. This is not the type of pulmonary hypertension that would require any specific treatment at all. Again, let me repeat myself, do NOT worry about pulmonary hypertension at this stage. It is not your problem.
Rather, your focus should be on deciphering your possible lung disease, maintaing sinus rhythm, etc.
I am sorry that you are going through all of this and hope that you begin to feel better soon.
Best,
Dr. Rich.
The direct answer to your question is no, atrial fibrillation does not CAUSE pulmonary hypertension. However, patients with atrial fibrillation (afib) can develop pulmonary hypertension, but not because of the afib itself but rather as a result of the condition which is causing the afib (confused yet?).
In other words, atrial fibrillation often occurs in people with high blood pressure or other forms of heart disease. In a smaller percentage of patients, atrial fibrillation occurs for no detectable reason (referred to as “lone atrial fibrillation). Many patients with high blood pressure or other forms of heart disease can develop pulmonary hypertension. However, in most of these cases, the pulmonary hypertension is an “innocent bystander.” In other words, yes the pressures in the pulmonary arteries are elevated but only because the pressures in the left side of the heart are elevated. In order for blood to get from the right side of the heart to the left side, the pressure must be high enough to overcome the elevated left sided pressures (it is actually simple plumbing).
In fact, the treatment for the “pulmonary hypertension” in the above cased scenario would be nothing more than treating the underlying problem (and the pulmonary hypertension will simply go away as well). Your description of mildly elevated right sided pressures (or actually pressures at the upper limit of normal) is typical and should not cause you to worry. This is not the type of pulmonary hypertension that would require any specific treatment at all. Again, let me repeat myself, do NOT worry about pulmonary hypertension at this stage. It is not your problem.
Rather, your focus should be on deciphering your possible lung disease, maintaing sinus rhythm, etc.
I am sorry that you are going through all of this and hope that you begin to feel better soon.
Best,
Dr. Rich.
HI. I AM LOOKING FOR SOME KIND OF ANSWER. I AM A 32 YEAR OLD WOMEN THAT HAS HAD ALOT OF STRESS AND ALOT OF SURGERYS IN MY SHORT TIME HERE. I HAVE CURRENTLY LOST 60 IN THE PAST YEAR. I HAVE HYPO THYROID AND TAKE MEDICINE FOR THE PAST 8 YEARS. CURRENTLY FOR ABOUT A YEAR NOW I HAVE BEEN HAVING SHARP PAINS THAT RUN ACCROSS MY CHEST JUST UNDER THE COLLAR BONE. IF I PUT MY ARMS TOGETHER INFRONT OF ME IT MAY OR MAY NOT SEND PAIN. I NEVER NO WHAT OR WHEN ITS GOING TO HAPPEN. I DO EXERCISE AND MY LIFE HAS MADE A COMPLETE 160 TURN IN THE LAST 2 YEARS. I HAVE SEEN A DOCTORE ABOUT 4 MONTHS AGO SHE DIDNT THINK ANYTHING OF IT CENCE I HAVE CHANGED SO MUCH, BUT THIS PAIN I CANT LET IT GO I FEEL LIKE SOMETHING IS WRONG. IT FEELS LIKE A SHARP PAIN THAT RUNS ACCROSS THE CHEST TO THE LEFT AND HOLDS PAIN IN THE POCKET OF YOUR LEFT ARM. CAN ANYONE HELP OR DIRECT ME TO SO INFO. THANK YOU
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Unfortunately, this is a pulmonary hypertension forum so I will not be able to address these other concerns.
You might be able to find more appropriate expert forums for your parathyroid, calcium, sinusitis, and dehydrations issues.
Take care and all the best,
Dr. Rich
You might be able to find more appropriate expert forums for your parathyroid, calcium, sinusitis, and dehydrations issues.
Take care and all the best,
Dr. Rich
Dear Dr. Rich,
thank you for your kind answer.
I am now seeking for help to my primary hyperparathyroidism and chronic sinusitis. A few days ago I stopped taking Multaq and continued using only atenolol to prevent AF. Just now I have been luckily without AF for one year. The left atrium has returned to normal size. Possibly my infections and hypercalcemia and dehydration (periodic mild DI) caused the AF in last year. I did not go to drink water when thirsty. My respiration is ok now, and I don't worry because of the lung infiltration. The lysozyme rise may be due to my sinusitis.
thank you for your kind answer.
I am now seeking for help to my primary hyperparathyroidism and chronic sinusitis. A few days ago I stopped taking Multaq and continued using only atenolol to prevent AF. Just now I have been luckily without AF for one year. The left atrium has returned to normal size. Possibly my infections and hypercalcemia and dehydration (periodic mild DI) caused the AF in last year. I did not go to drink water when thirsty. My respiration is ok now, and I don't worry because of the lung infiltration. The lysozyme rise may be due to my sinusitis.
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