
pmid: 21222371
handle: 10807/12936
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia in the medical practice, it is associated with an increased total and cardiovascular mortality, as well as cardiovascular morbidity, including stroke and heart failure. AF is encountered in different medical specialties including cardiology, family medicine and emergency medicine as well. Treatment goal is to minimize stroke risk but also taking into account the quality of life. Therefore rate or a rhythm control strategies must be carefully selected. This review focuses on natriuretic polypeptides (NPs) as potential useful markers in AF patients management.Pubmed was searched for natriuretic peptides and atrial fibrillation. Pertinent abstracts were reviewed by the Authors and the articles fully evaluated when considered pertinent.NP biology and physiology is described and general application in heart failure outlined. With regard to AF, the role of NP as predictor of cardioversion is reviewed and discussed. Patients eligible for rhythm control not always respond to treatment. Classic markers for a suitable cardioversion, such an echocardiography, are not immediately available in most settings. NP might be a resource predicting cardioversion (or not) upon patient's presentation.Biomarkers, such NPs, might be used to predict treatment response other than in heart failure.In AF management, NT-ProBNP is a promising tool helping physicians to choose rhythm or rate control strategy.
Heart Failure, Atrial Fibrillation, Natriuretic Peptide, Brain, Humans, Natriuretic Peptides, Peptide Fragments
Heart Failure, Atrial Fibrillation, Natriuretic Peptide, Brain, Humans, Natriuretic Peptides, Peptide Fragments
| selected citations These citations are derived from selected sources. This is an alternative to the "Influence" indicator, which also reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically). | 14 | |
| popularity This indicator reflects the "current" impact/attention (the "hype") of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network. | Average | |
| influence This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically). | Top 10% | |
| impulse This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network. | Top 10% |
