Inflammation and fibrosis in patients with atrial fibrillation and heart failure: is there a need for rehabilitation?

Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is increasingly prevalent among the general population as well as in those exhibiting heart failure (HF), and the symptomatology progressively worsens when both conditions are met. The aim of this study was to analyse the role of inflammation and fibrosis biomarkers in patients with AF and HF. Methods: 108 subjects with heart failure were enrolled in the study. All patients were evaluated clinically, biologically and echocardiographically. Plasma values of NTproBNP, Gal -3 and sST2 were determined. Results: Out of all patients, 64.8% experienced at least one AF event. There were no differences in the mean left ventricular ejection fraction between the groups, which was 39.4 +/- 11.2%. In terms of left atrium dimensions, the values in the AF group were significantly higher ( 51.19 +/- 7.3 vs. 44.68 +/- 7.16 mm, p<0.001). AF history was associated with a trend of decreased eGFR - 59,22 +/- 24,1 ml/min/1.73m3 vs 75,95 +/- 29,1 ml/min/1.73m3 (p=0.006). There was no statistically significant difference in the level of HF biomarkers (sST2, Galectin-3 and NT -pro BNP) between individuals with or without AF. Conclusion: Patients with HF are at greater risk to develop AF. HF biomarkers (sST2, Galectin-3 and NT -pro BNP) are not influenced by the presence of AF.