PMID: 20131188Feb 5, 2010Paper

Plasma NT-proANP in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation who underwent successful cardioversion

Kardiologia polska
Radosław BartkowiakGrazyna Janiszewska

Abstract

Atrial fibrillation (AF) decreases quality of life and significantly increases risk of stroke, congestive heart failure and death. Atrial overload and stretch also result in increased production of natriuretic peptide type A (ANP). The biologically inactive prohormone NT-proANP is released to plasma in the same amounts as ANP but it has higher levels in the blood due to decreased degradation in vivo. In vitro degradation is also slower and NT-proANP may be an interesting alternative for ANP. To evaluate NT-proANP plasma concentration in patients with persistent AF following successful cardioversion. The study group consisted of 43 patients with persistent AF and normal left ventricular systolic function, who underwent successful electrical cardioversion (EC). The control group comprised 20 patients with sinus rhythm without a history of AF. Blood samples were collected twice, during visits 24 h before and after EC. All patients were also examined 30 days after the sinus rhythm recovery. The NT-proANP concentration was measured using an immunochemical method (ELISA). Plasma NT-proANP concentration was significantly increased in patients with persistent AF compared to the control group (4.8 +/- 2.9 vs. 2.8 +/- 1.2 nmol/l, p = 0.0...Continue Reading

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