Objectives To investigate the relationship between resting heart rate control and pulse wave velocity (PWV) in patients with long-standing persistent atrial fibrillation (AF).

Methods We sequentially enrolled outpatients diagnosed as long-standing persistent atrial fibrillation in Cardiology Department of West China Hospital, Sichuan University from Dec 2011 to Mar 2012 and divided these patients into standard group (heart rate <80 beats per minute) and control group (heart rate ≥80 beats per minute) based on the level of heart rate. We analysed the relationship between resting heart rate and baPWV by using Pearson correlation analysis and multiple stepwise regression analysis.

Results PWV in the standard group was significant lower than control group, while the alcohol use ratio was significant higher in standard group (P<0.05). Pearson relationship analysis showed a linear correlation between resting hear rate and PWV (r = 0.355, P = 0.001). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that heart rate, uric acid, systolic blood pressure and dyslipidemia have independent correlation with PWV in patients with long-standing persistent AF (multiple correlation coefficient (R) = 0.821, P <0.0001).

Conclusions The resting heart rate, uric acid, systolic blood pressure and dyslipidemia have closed relationship with PWV in patients with long-standing persistent AF. Strict rate control (heart rate <80bpm) may be important from PWV aspect.