Determinants of Brain Natriuretic Peptide Levels in Patients With Lone Atrial Fibrillation

Abstract

Background Although brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) is increasingly being used for screening and monitoring of congestive heart failure, its utility in patients with lone atrial fibrillation (AF) is unclear. Methods and Results Plasma BNP levels were measured and comprehensive transthoracic echocardiography was performed in 96 subjects (47: sinus rhythm, 49: AF). Patients with structural heart disease were excluded. Potential determinants of BNP levels were identified by univariate and multivariate analyses. Individuals with AF had higher BNP levels than those with sinus rhythm (150±114 vs 49±61 pg/ml, pCirc J 2006; 70: 100 - 104)