Doppler-derived indexes and B-type natriuretic peptide in prediction of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation in essential hypertension: a prospective study.
BACKGROUND
Onset of atrial fibrillation in hypertensive patients is usually associated with a high occurrence of cardiovascular complications. Despite its leading importance as a highly prevalent and modifiable risk factor, only a few data are available regarding the predictors of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) in hypertensive patients.


OBJECTIVE
This study was undertaken to determine if PAF could be predicted in hypertensive patients while in sinus rhythm using Doppler-derived indexes and the plasma B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) concentration.


METHODS
We prospectively evaluated 165 consecutive patients with hypertension and no known history of PAF or cardiovascular events who attended the cardiology outpatient clinic. Their mean age was 62 +/- 12, 94 male, 71 female. The conventional echocardiographic parameters were measured including: left atrial (LA) volume, mitral regurgitation (MR), left ventricular (LV) function, LV mass. The ratio of transmitral peak E-wave velocity to flow propagation velocity (E/V(p)), ratio of E-wave to mitral annular early diastolic velocity (E/E(a)) obtained by Doppler tissue at the lateral and septal corners of the mitral annulus were calculated. The plasma BNP was measured at the study entry.


RESULTS
After a mean follow-up of 15 +/- 3 months, PAF (symptomatic attacks or documented on the ECG) occurred in 36 (21.8%) of 165 patients. The patients with PAF had significant higher BNP levels than those with sinus rhythm (160 +/- 109.8 vs. 87.9 +/- 57.7 pg/ml, P < 0.001) Also, E/E(a) and E/V(p) ratios were significantly higher in hypertensives with PAF (15.1 +/- 2.8 vs. 8.39 +/- 1.33, P < 0.001), and (1.65 +/- 1.29 vs. 1.19 +/- 1.06, P < 0.001) respectively. In univariate analysis, E/V(p), E/E(a), and BNP and LV hypertrophy were significant predictors of PAF. Barely E/V(p) and E/E(a) remained independently significant after adjustment of clinical and other echocardiographic variables by multivariate logistic regression analysis (odd ratio: 3.36, P < 0.001 and 4.93, P < 0.001 respectively). A cutoff value of > or =1.7 for E/V(p) predicted PAF with 91% sensitivity and 88% specificity; E/E(a) >12 has sensitivity 98%, specificity 89%, while BNP>170 pg/ml has 83% and 72% specificity, respectively, for prediction of PAF in hypertensive patients.


CONCLUSIONS
Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation could be predicted in hypertensive patients while in sinus rhythm using Doppler-derived indexes. Increased E/V(p), E/E(a) ratios and elevated BNP appear to be useful parameters to identify patients at heightened risk. They may reflect early left ventricular dysfunction and atrial hypertension in this population.
Badran
Hala Mahfouz
HM
Cardiology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Menoufiya University, Shebin Elkom, Egypt. halamahfouz.1000@yahoo.com
Eid
Manal Abd Elwahed
MA
Michael
Atef
A
D001281:Atrial Fibrillation / Q000097:blood* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D001783:Blood Flow Velocity; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D015150:Echocardiography, Doppler; D004562:Electrocardiography; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000150:complications* / Q000503:physiopathology; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D020097:Natriuretic Peptide, Brain / Q000097:blood*; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011446:Prospective Studies; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012307:Risk Factors; D018709:Statistics, Nonparametric
D020097:Natriuretic Peptide, Brain