Determinants of plasma NT-pro-BNP levels in patients with atrial fibrillation and preserved left ventricular ejection fraction

Objectives  The present study aimed to investigate the clinical and echocardiographic determinants of plasma NT-pro-BNP levels in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). Methods  NT-pro-BNP levels were measured in 45 patients with paroxysmal AF, 41 patients with permanent AF and 48 controls. Results  NT-pro-BNP levels were found significantly elevated in patients with paroxysmal (215 ± 815 pg/ml) and permanent AF (1,086 ± 835 pg/ml) in relation to control population (86.3 ± 77.9 pg/ml) (P < 0.001). According to the univariate linear regression analysis, age, hypertension, β-blocker use, left atrial diameter (LAD), LVEF and AF status (paroxysmal or permanent or both) were significantly associated with NT-pro-BNP levels (P < 0.05). In multiple linear regression analysis, LVEF (B coefficient: −53.030; CI: −95.738 to −10.322; P: 0.015) and LAD (B coefficient: 285.858; CI: 23.731–547.986; P: 0.033) were significant and independent determinants of NT-pro-BNP levels. Conclusions  Plasma NT-pro-BNP levels were significantly higher in patients with paroxysmal and permanent AF compared to those with sinus rhythm in the setting of preserved left ventricular systolic function. LVEF and LAD were independent predictors of NT-pro-BNP levels.