Plasma atrial natriuretic peptide levels for predicting the outcome of atrial fibrillation

The predictive value of plasma atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) on the card ioversion outcome was evaluated in 46 hospitalized patients with recent-ons et atrial fibrillation (AF). Cardioversion was successful in 42 (91%) patie nts, 7 (15%) of them regained sinus rhythm spontaneously. After 12 months, 14 (33%) cardioverted patients were in chronic AF. There were no difference s in plasma ANP levels between groups where cardioversion failed, those who cardioverted but later developed chronic AF or those who remained in sinus rhythm. However, among patients who were on antiarrhythmic therapy, ANP le vels obtained after cardioversion were lower in those who later remained in sinus rhythm. We conclude that lower ANP after cardioversion may be associ ated with increased chances of long-term preservation of sinus rhythm. Copy right (C) 2001 S. Karger AG. Basel.