Blood aldosterone level in various types of atrial fibrillation

Abstract

Aim . To analyse the aldosterone level in the blood of patients with different kinds of atrial fibrillation (AF) and sinus rhythm. Material and methods . Totally, 130 patients included (main group) with AF of non-valvular origin. Of those 40 (30,8%) had permanent, 50 (38,4%) — persistent, and 40 (30,8%) — paroxysmal type of atrial fibrillation. The controls consisted of 40 patients with cardiovascular pathology not having anamnesis of AF. Aldosterone levels were measured by immune-enzyme assay. In paroxysmal and persistent AF the measurement was done before returning to sinus rhythm. Reference ranges for aldosterone were 40-160 pg/ml. Results . Aldosterone level in blood was significantly higher in the main group comparing to controls — mean 141,5±41,8 pg/ml vs 105,0±33,1 pg/ml (р<0,001). The highest level had persisting and paroxysmal AF patients and a little lower in permanent AF patients. Prevalence of hyperaldosteronemia among all patients of the main group was significantly higher comparing to controls, and reached 32,3% and 7,5%, resp., (χ2=8,44, p=0,004), however in multiple analysis the significant differences were revealed only among those with paroxysmal type (47,5%) and sinus rhythm patients. Conclusion . In AF patients aldosterone level is significantly higher comparing to sinus rhythm patients. In addition, the level is significantly higher in paroxysmal and persistent comparing to permanent type.