EFFECT OF AURICULAR FIBRILLATION ON THE CORONARY BLOOD FLOW

Abstract

69 bouts of auricular fibrillation induced in 16 dogs were studied as to their effect on the mean arterial blood pressure and coronary flow. At the onset of auricular fibrillation, there is a marked drop in blood pressure and coronary flow. Then, within a few sec., both blood pressure and coronary flow return toward their control levels, but whereas the coronary flow may, at least temporarily, return to or even rise above its control level, the blood pressure seldom reaches it. As soon as fibrillation stops, both coronary flow and blood pressure rise above control levels, then come down progressively to their control level, but the blood pressure may come back to its control level before the coronary flow. The mechanisms and significance of the cardiovascular reactions observed are discussed.