Abstract
OBJECTIVE:Our aim is to determine the triggering factors of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) in ischemic heart failure (HF) patients with low ejection fraction (EF).METHODS:Sixty patients were included in this study. Echocardiography and 24-hours Holter monitoring were performed after measurement of serum NT-pro BNP concentration. The patients were classified into two groups concerning the occurrence of PAF on Holter recordings. Biochemical and echocardiographic parameters of patients with and without PAF were compared.RESULTS:PAF was detected in 28 (46%) patients. Patients with PAF demonstrated higher NT-pro BNP levels, mitral and aortic regurgitation velocities, E/A, E/E’, pulmonary capillary wedge pressure, pulmonary artery systolic pressure, left atrial volume and volume indices. NT-pro BNP was established as the predictor of PAF (OR=1.23, 95% CI: 1.08–1.42; p=0.001). ROC analysis showed an NT-pro BNP value of 2188 pg/mL as cut-off value with 68% sensitivity and 84% specificity [Area under the ROC curve (AUC)=0.826, CI 95%: 0.724–0.927; p<0.001].CONCLUSION:The triggering factors for AF are increased intracardiac pressures, left atrial dilatation and increased wall tension. As an indicator of increased wall tension, elevated levels of NT-pro BNP predict the development of PAF.
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