Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 18, 2026

Estimating Bilateral Atrial Function by Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Feature Tracking in Patients with Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation
08:10

Estimating Bilateral Atrial Function by Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Feature Tracking in Patients with Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation

Published on: July 20, 2022

Left atrial function in patients with a high C-reactive protein level and paroxysmal atrial fibrillation

John Dernellis1, Maria Panaretou

  • 1Department of Cardiology, Vostanion Hospital, Mytilini, Greece. dernellis@yahoo.gr

Acta Cardiologica
|November 23, 2006
PubMed

Insights

High C-reactive protein (CRP) levels in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation are linked to enlarged left atria and reduced atrial contractility. These changes occur independently of left ventricular function.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Biomarkers
  • Electrophysiology

Background:

  • Elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) is a marker of inflammation.
  • Inflammation and left atrial dysfunction may contribute to arrhythmias like atrial fibrillation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate left atrial dimensions and function in patients with high CRP and paroxysmal atrial fibrillation.
  • To determine if left atrial changes are associated with high CRP levels and atrial fibrillation.

Main Methods:

  • Echocardiography was used to assess left atrial size and function.
  • 20 patients with high CRP and paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (CRf), 20 with high CRP but no arrhythmia (CR), and 20 normal subjects (N) were studied.
  • Groups were matched for age and gender.

Main Results:

  • The CRf group showed increased maximal left atrial volume compared to normal subjects.
  • Left atrial active emptying fraction was significantly decreased in the CRf group.
  • Reservoir fraction was also reduced in the CRf group compared to controls.

Conclusions:

  • High CRP levels in paroxysmal atrial fibrillation are associated with left atrial enlargement.
  • Reduced left atrial contractile function is observed in these patients.
  • These left atrial abnormalities are independent of left ventricular hypertrophy and function.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Sterile Pericarditis in Aachener Minipigs As a Model for Atrial Myopathy and Atrial Fibrillation08:56

Sterile Pericarditis in Aachener Minipigs As a Model for Atrial Myopathy and Atrial Fibrillation

Published on: September 24, 2021

Related Concept Videos

Rheumatic Heart Disease I: Introduction01:23

Rheumatic Heart Disease I: Introduction

Rheumatic heart disease or RHD is a chronic condition that results from rheumatic fever, causing permanent damage to the heart valves.Etiology and Risk FactorsIt primarily arises from rheumatic fever, an inflammatory disease that can develop after untreated or inadequately treated group A streptococcal (GAS) pharyngitis. Streptococcus spreads through direct contact with oral or respiratory secretions. While the bacteria are the causative agents, factors like malnutrition, overcrowding, poor...
ECG Interpretation of Arrhythmias II: Atrial, Junctional and Ventricular Arrhythmias01:25

ECG Interpretation of Arrhythmias II: Atrial, Junctional and Ventricular Arrhythmias

Arrhythmia is a condition characterized by an irregular heart rhythm, with ECG changes that differ based on its origin and nature. The types of arrhythmias discussed below include atrial, junctional, and ventricular arrhythmias.Atrial ArrhythmiasPremature Atrial Complexes (PACs): PACs are early atrial beats caused by stress, caffeine, alcohol, electrolyte imbalances, hypoxia, hyperthyroidism, or certain medications (e.g., bronchodilators and decongestants). The ECG shows early P waves with an...
Cardiomyopathy IV: Restrictive Cardiomyopathy01:29

Cardiomyopathy IV: Restrictive Cardiomyopathy

Restrictive cardiomyopathy (RCM) is a rare heart muscle disease characterized by impaired ventricular filling due to stiffened ventricular walls, leading to significant diastolic dysfunction.EtiologyRestrictive cardiomyopathy can arise from both inherited and acquired diseases, many of which are systemic. It is categorized into four main types: infiltrative, storage, non-infiltrative, and endomyocardial diseases.Infiltrative diseases, such as amyloidosis, lead to RCM by depositing amyloid...
Rheumatic Heart Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies01:22

Rheumatic Heart Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies

The key clinical manifestations of Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) include several distinct cardiac symptoms.Carditis, a hallmark of acute rheumatic fever, involves inflammation of the heart's endocardium, myocardium, and pericardium. Chronic RHD often results from recurrent episodes of carditis. Its symptoms include the following:Murmurs are caused by valvular damage, especially to the mitral and aortic valves. Mitral stenosis or regurgitation is common, with characteristic heart murmurs...
Disturbances in Heart Rhythm01:29

Disturbances in Heart Rhythm

Arrhythmia or dysrhythmia refers to an abnormal heart rhythm caused by a defect in the heart's conduction system. It can cause the heart to beat irregularly, too quickly, or too slowly, leading to symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, and fainting. Factors such as stress, caffeine, alcohol, nicotine, cocaine, certain drugs, congenital defects, diseases, and electrolyte abnormalities can trigger arrhythmias.
Arrhythmias are categorized by their speed, rhythm, and origin. A slow heart...
Aortic Regurgitation II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests01:22

Aortic Regurgitation II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests

Aortic valve regurgitation (AR) occurs when the aortic valve fails to close properly, allowing blood to flow backward from the aorta into the left ventricle. This backflow can result in two distinct clinical presentations: acute and chronic AR, each characterized by its own set of symptoms and physical findings.Acute Aortic RegurgitationAcute AR presents with a sudden onset of severe symptoms. Patients typically experience profound dyspnea (shortness of breath), chest pain, and signs of left...