Relationship between inflammatory markers and clinical patterns of atrial fibrillation in patients with congestive

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 2, 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

Ryszard Targoński1, Dagmara Salczyńska, Jacek Sadowski

  • 1Department of Cardiology and Internal Medicine, City Hospital, Olsztyn, Poland.

Kardiologia Polska
|August 12, 2008
PubMed

Insights

In patients with congestive heart failure (CHF), elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) levels are linked to arterial hypertension and left atrial enlargement. Permanent atrial fibrillation (AF) and CRP also correlate with higher fibrinogen levels.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Internal Medicine
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Atrial fibrillation (AF) negatively impacts left atrial size and cardiac function, and is linked to increased C-reactive protein (CRP) and fibrinogen.
  • The relationship between inflammatory markers, AF, and cardiac remodeling in congestive heart failure (CHF) patients is not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate associations between inflammatory markers (CRP, fibrinogen) and clinical/echocardiographic parameters in CHF patients with different forms of AF.
  • To explore the link between these markers and treatment in CHF patients.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional study of 99 CHF patients divided into three groups: sinus rhythm, paroxysmal/persistent AF, and permanent AF.
  • Plasma CRP and fibrinogen levels were measured; echocardiography assessed left atrial dimension (LA), ejection fraction (LVEF), and right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP).

Main Results:

  • Mean CRP was significantly higher in permanent AF patients compared to sinus rhythm and paroxysmal/persistent AF groups.
  • Permanent AF patients showed elevated fibrinogen, LA dimensions, and RVSP.
  • CRP levels correlated with arterial hypertension and LA enlargement; fibrinogen correlated with CRP, permanent AF, and metabolic syndrome.

Conclusions:

  • Elevated plasma CRP in CHF patients is associated with arterial hypertension and left atrial enlargement.
  • Permanent AF and CRP levels are significantly linked to increased plasma fibrinogen in CHF patients.
Abstract

Related Concept Videos

Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System II: CRP, Hcy, and Cardiac Natriuretic Peptide Markers01:19

Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System II: CRP, Hcy, and Cardiac Natriuretic Peptide Markers

Cardiac biomarkers are critical in diagnosing, prognosing, and managing cardiovascular diseases. Routine measurement of specific biomarkers such as B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), C-reactive protein (CRP), and homocysteine (Hcy) is common practice in clinical settings to evaluate heart function and predict cardiovascular events.
These markers indicate stress or strain on the heart muscle:
Natriuretic Peptides (BNP)
Cardiac myocytes produce these hormones in response to ventricular stretching...
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...
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...
Heart Failure II: Pathophysiology01:29

Heart Failure II: Pathophysiology

Systolic Heart Failure and Compensatory MechanismsSystolic heart failure (also termed HFrEF, Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction) is the most prevalent type of heart filure. It results in a decreased volume of blood being pumped from the ventricle. The aortic arch and carotid sinuses have baroreceptors that detect reduced blood pressure, triggering the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) to release epinephrine and norepinephrine. Initially, this response aims to boost heart rate and...
Heart Failure III: Clinical Manifestations01:26

Heart Failure III: Clinical Manifestations

Heart failure (HF) manifests primarily as dyspnea, fatigue, and fluid retention, resulting in peripheral and pulmonary edema. Symptoms may vary depending on which ventricle is more affected, left or right.Left-Sided Heart FailureAlso known as left ventricular failure, this condition results from the left ventricle's inability to fill or eject sufficient blood into the systemic circulation. It leads to pulmonary congestion, which occurs when the left ventricle fails to eject blood effectively...
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...