Biomarkers of left atrial overload in obese and nonobese patients with atrial fibrillation qualified for electrical cardioversion

Abstract

Background: Biomarkers of left atrial (LA) overload are considered factors affecting the efficacy of atrial fibrillation (AF) treatment. Increasing obesity rates contribute to a growing number of obese patients qualified for electrical cardioversion (CVE).Biomarkers of left atrial (LA) overload are considered as factors influencing efficacy of atrial fibrillation (AF) treatment. The increasing rate of obesity contributes to obese patients constituting a significant group of subjects qualified to electrical cardioversion (CVE).

Aims: The aim of the study was to evaluate serum concentrations of biomarkers of LA overload and their impact on the efficacy of CVE.

Methods: A total of 82 patients with persistent AF who underwent successful CVE were prospectively enrolled in the study. The study population was divided into the obese group (OG) and the nonobese group (NOG). The serum levels of the following biomarkers were measured on the day of admission and at follow‑up: high‑sensitivity C‑reactive protein (hs‑CRP), N‑terminal pro‑B‑type natriuretic peptide, copeptin, galectin 3, growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF‑15), and renalase.

Results: Baseline and follow‑up hs‑CRP levels were increased in the OG compared with the NOG. Four‑week CVE efficacy was 38.8% in the OG and 60.6% in the NOG. Time of the observation, allocation to the groups, and CVE outcomes showed no associations with most LA biomarkers during follow‑up. Baseline concentrations of 2 biomarkers of LA overload were associated with clinical characteristics of the study group, that is, log10 serum GDF‑15 and log10 serum renalase levels correlated positively with the CHA2DS2‑VASc score.

Conclusions:  Although obesity modifies the long‑term efficacy of CVE, the OG and NOG did not differ significantly in most biomarkers of LA overload, except hs‑CRP. The efficacy of CVE seems to be independent of the levels of biomarkers. A favorable procedure outcome did not affect their blood concentrations.