title: Steady-state B-type natriuretic peptide levels in patients with atrial fibrillation of various clinical backgrounds.
abstract: B-type natriuretic peptide level is increased in patients with atrial fibrillation. The aim of the present study was to present the distribution of steady-state B-type natriuretic peptide levels of various clinical backgrounds and to elucidate the usefulness of measuring them in patients with atrial fibrillation. B-type natriuretic peptide was measured in stable conditions in patients with atrial fibrillation (74 ± 10 y/o, n = 473). The average B-type natriuretic peptide level was 161 ± 202 (median 101) pg/ml. Multiple regression analysis showed that age, left ventricular ejection fraction, left atrial diameter, structural heart disease, chronic atrial fibrillation, and heart failure symptoms were independently associated with elevated B-type natriuretic peptide levels. However, in chronic atrial fibrillation patients without structural heart disease, B-type natriuretic peptide levels did not differ between those with and without heart failure symptoms. Notably, B-type natriuretic peptide levels were high (≥ 150 pg/ml) in 41% of asymptomatic chronic atrial fibrillation without structural heart disease. Steady-state B-type natriuretic peptide levels of various clinical backgrounds were presented. Contributions of BNP elevation by clinical variables were somewhat different in different population. B-type natriuretic peptide was elevated in substantial percentage of asymptomatic chronic atrial fibrillation even without structural heart disease.
authors.affiliation: Division of Cardiology, Ueki Hospital, Iwano 285-29, Ueki, Kumamoto, 861-0136, Japan. kamefu@rb3.so-net.ne.jp
authors.forename: Tsuneaki
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Sadanaga
authors.forename: Hideo
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Mitamura
authors.forename: Shun
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Kohsaka
authors.forename: Satoshi
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Ogawa
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001281:Atrial Fibrillation / Q000097:blood* / Q000175:diagnosis; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D002908:Chronic Disease; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007564:Japan; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D020097:Natriuretic Peptide, Brain / Q000097:blood*; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011379:Prognosis; D012372:ROC Curve; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D015854:Up-Regulation; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D015415:Biomarkers; D020097:Natriuretic Peptide, Brain