Determinant factors of plasma B-type natriuretic peptide levels in patients with persistent nonvalvular atrial fibrillation and preserved left ventricular systolic function.
OBJECTIVE
Plasma B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels are determined by several factors. The presence of atrial fibrillation (AF) is one of these factors. Meanwhile, plasma BNP levels are well correlated with left ventricular (LV) filling pressure in patients with sinus rhythm. Furthermore, LV filling pressure can be estimated by the ratio of early diastolic transmitral velocity to early diastolic mitral annular velocity (E/e' ratio) in patients with sinus rhythm or with AF. However, it is still unclear if elevated plasma BNP levels reflect increases in LV filling pressure in patients with AF, especially with preserved LV systolic function. This study was designed to examine which factors determine plasma BNP levels in patients with persistent nonvalvular AF and preserved LV systolic function.


RESULTS
We examined 195 clinically stable outpatients with persistent nonvalvular AF and preserved LV systolic function. They underwent comprehensive 2-dimensional and Doppler echocardiography, plasma BNP and creatinine levels, clinical history, and heart rate were determined. Then we statistically analyzed the correlation between plasma BNP levels and several variables including E/e' ratio. On univariate analyses, plasma BNP levels were significantly correlated with age, LV diastolic diameter (LVDd), E/e' ratio, and mitral E wave deceleration time. In addition, plasma BNP levels were significantly higher in males and in patients with a history of congestive heart failure and those who had been administered a ß-blocker. On multiple linear regression analyses, E/e' ratio, age, LVDd, and administration of ß-blocker were independent determinant factors of plasma BNP levels.


CONCLUSIONS
Plasma BNP levels in patients with persistent AF and preserved LV systolic function are affected by E/e' ratio, age, LVDd, and administration of ß-blockers.
Baba
Osamu
O
Department of Cardiology, Kishiwada City Hospital, 1001, Gakuhara-cho, Kishiwada-City, Osaka, 596-8501, Japan. freeone777@msn.com
Izuhara
Masayasu
M
Kadota
Shin
S
Mitsuoka
Hirokazu
H
Shioji
Keisuke
K
Uegaito
Takashi
T
Mutsuo
Satoru
S
Matsuda
Mitsuo
M
D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D001281:Atrial Fibrillation / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood; D001783:Blood Flow Velocity; D005260:Female; D006352:Heart Ventricles / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008943:Mitral Valve; D020097:Natriuretic Peptide, Brain / Q000097:blood*; D012737:Sex Factors; D013599:Systole; D016277:Ventricular Function, Left
D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists; D015415:Biomarkers; D020097:Natriuretic Peptide, Brain