The Effect of Atrial Pacing on Blood Pressure in Hypertensive Subjects

Abstract

This study investigated the relationship between atrial pacing and blood pressure (BP) in hypertensive patients. It was hypothesized that BP and medication requirements would be reduced in patients with constant atrial pacing (CAP). The study design was descriptive correlational. Retrospective chart review was used to examine a nonprobability, convenience sample of 23 subjects with hypertension .(HTN) and atrial pacemakers. Those 1'7ith malignant HTN were excluded. Subjects were divided as to constant atrial pacing (CAP) or intermittent atrial pacing (IAP). BP was recorded before implant, and at 24 hours, 1-3 weeks and 2-3 months post-implant. Repeated measures ANOVA revealed significant differences in the BP of the two groups. T-tests showed differences in the systolic BP at 1-3 weeks (p= 0.04), and 2-3 months (p= 0.03), with lower BP readings in the IAP group. Changes in HTN medications revealed differences in the two groups (using chi square p= 0.03), with the CAP group requiring fewer increases. The hypotheses were not supported.