Does atrial fibrillation affect plasma endothelin level?

BACKGROUND

Atrial fibrillation (AF) may result in endocardial endothelium dysfunction. The main objective of the study was to evaluate the plasma concentration of endothelin-1 (ET-1) during persistent AF and after sinus rhythm recovery following direct-current cardioversion and to assess the predictive value of ET-1 in AF patients.

METHODS

The study group consisted of 43 patients with persistent AF and normal left ventricle systolic function who had undergone successful cardioversion. Blood samples were collected twice: 24 hours before and 24 hours after cardioversion. All patients were also examined in terms of sinus rhythm maintenance on the 30th day after cardioversion.

RESULTS

There were no differences in ET-1 plasma concentration between the persistent AF group and the control group (2.6 ± 2.9 fmol/mL vs 2.3 ± 4.5 fmol/mL, NS). Plasma ET-1 levels did not change within 24 hours after successful cardioversion (2.5 ± 2.8 fmol/mL vs 2.6 ± 2.9 fmol/mL, NS). There was no correlation between the baseline plasma levels of ET-1 in patients with persistent AF and sinus rhythm maintenance 30 days after cardioversion.

CONCLUSIONS

Persistent AF does not affect plasma ET-1 concentration in patients with normal left ventricle systolic function and with no symptoms of heart failure. There are no significant changes in plasma ET-1 level during the 24 hours after cardioversion.