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Inflammation in lone atrial fibrillation

Shu-Yuan Yao1, Jian-Min Chu, Ke-Ping Chen

  • 1Center of Arrhythmias, Fuwai Cardiovascular Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100037, People's Republic of China.

Clinical Cardiology
|February 14, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Lone atrial fibrillation is linked to inflammation, specifically elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, but only when the atrial fibrillation rhythm is present. The duration or history of atrial fibrillation did not influence CRP levels.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Inflammation Research
  • Biomarkers

Background:

  • Lone atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common cardiac arrhythmia.
  • Inflammation is increasingly recognized as a contributing factor in cardiovascular diseases.
  • C-reactive protein (CRP) is a key marker of systemic inflammation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between lone atrial fibrillation and inflammation.
  • To determine if C-reactive protein (CRP) levels correlate with the presence and type of atrial fibrillation.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort of 411 subjects, including 333 patients with lone atrial fibrillation and 78 controls, was analyzed.
  • C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were measured.
  • Echocardiography was performed, and electrocardiograph monitoring identified cardiac rhythm during blood sampling.

Main Results:

  • Lone atrial fibrillation patients exhibited higher CRP levels compared to controls.
  • CRP levels were significantly higher in persistent AF than paroxysmal AF, and in the presence versus absence of AF during paroxysmal AF.
  • Atrial fibrillation rhythm was the sole independent predictor of elevated CRP in lone AF patients after adjusting for covariates.

Conclusions:

  • Elevated CRP levels in lone atrial fibrillation are associated with the active presence of the atrial fibrillation rhythm.
  • The duration or history of atrial fibrillation does not appear to influence CRP levels.
  • Inflammation, as indicated by CRP, plays a role in lone atrial fibrillation, particularly during episodes.
Abstract

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