Spectral analysis of blood pressure variability in atrial fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common arrhythmia characterized by desynchronization of atrial electrical activity causing a consequent irregular ventricular response. Blood pressure (BP) fluctuates in a complex mode composed of both short-term and long-term variability. In AF, the beat-to-beat variation of BP is increased because of variations in filling time and in contractility. However, a few studies have analysed short-term BP variations in AF being the interest mainly addressed to 24-hour variations. Aim of this study was to describe BP variability spectrum during AF in short-term recordings. Fifteen patients, referred for electrical cardioversion, with persistent AF were included in the study. An harmonic LF component was observable in all patientspsila BP spectra, even during AF, i.e., in presence of a very irregular RR series.