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Updated: Mar 21, 2026

Estimating Bilateral Atrial Function by Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Feature Tracking in Patients with Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation
Published on: July 20, 2022
[HOMOCYSTEINE AS A PROGNOSTIC MARKER OF ATRIAL REMODELING AND CLINICAL PICTURE IN PATIENTS WITH PAROXYSMAL AND
Insights
High homocysteine levels (over 11 mcmol/l) are linked to left ventricle enlargement and increased atrial fibrillation (AF) relapse rates. This suggests homocysteine influences atrial remodeling, serving as a prognostic factor for AF recurrence.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Biochemistry
Context:
- Atrial fibrillation (AF) poses significant clinical challenges, particularly in patients with co-existing coronary heart disease and hypertensive disease.
- Understanding the factors influencing AF recurrence and atrial remodeling is crucial for improving patient outcomes.
Purpose:
- To investigate the prognostic significance of serum homocysteine levels in relation to atrial remodeling and clinical outcomes in patients with paroxysmal and persistent atrial fibrillation.
- To determine if elevated homocysteine levels correlate with left ventricle enlargement and AF relapse rates.
Summary:
- This study analyzed 75 patients with AF and cardiovascular comorbidities, comparing them to 19 controls without AF.
- Echocardiography assessed cardiac structure and function, while homocysteine levels and AF relapse rates were monitored over one year.
- A homocysteine level exceeding 11.2 mcmol/l was associated with left ventricle enlargement ( > 40 mm) and a higher frequency of AF relapses.
Impact:
- The findings suggest a strong relationship between homocysteine levels, left ventricle dimensions, and AF recurrence, indicating homocysteine's role in atrial remodeling.
- Elevated homocysteine ( > 11 mcmol/l) should be considered a valuable prognostic marker for predicting increased AF relapse rates.
Abstract:
The aim of this work was to study prognostic significance of the relationship between the homocysteine level, structural/functional atrial remodeling, and clinical picture of paroxysmal and persistent forms of atrial fibrillation (AF). The study included 75 patients with AF concomitant with coronary heart disease and hypertensive disease without apparent structural changes in myocardium. Group 1 was comprised of 48 patients with paroxysmal AF, group 2 of 27 patients with persistent AF. 19 patients with coronary heart disease and hypertensive disease without AF served as controls. The structural and functional state of the heart was evaluated based on two-dimensional trans-thoracal echocardiography with the use of the formulas for calculating left ventricular characteristics. Blood homocysteine levels were measured The frequency of AF relapses was determined after an 1 year follow-up. The homocysteine level over 11.2 mcmol/l was related to left ventricle enlargement (over 40 mm), high frequency and relapse rate of AF. It is concluded that the relationship between homocysteine levels, left ventricle size, frequency and relapse rate of AF suggests the influence of homocysteine on atrial remodeling. A rise in the homocysteine level above 11 mcmol/l should be regarded as a prognostic factor of increased AF relapse rate.
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