Amlodipine can increase atrial fibrillation in hypertensive patients

Abstract

The aim of this study is to determine the increased prevalence of Atrial Fibrillation (AF) in hypertensive patients who use Amlodipine (a Dihydropyridine Calcium Channel Blocker), as compared to hypertensive patients who do not use Amlodipine. The study carried out in Alkarama Teaching Hospital, Wasit Province, Iraq, during the period from April 2010 to February 2014. One hundred eighty eight adult hypertensive patients with AF were included, 109 males with mean age 52 ± 3.4 SD and 79 females with mean age 49 ± 4.1 SD. Subdivided in two groups: group A (include 118 patients using Amlodipine) and group B (include 70 patients do not use Amlodipine). The study showed an increase in the prevalence of (AF), more in those patients using Amlodipine than those who do not use Amlodipine regardless of gender. But there increase in AF in older age and those using higher doses for longer period.