Lipoprotein(a) and inflammation in patients with atrial fibrillation after electrical cardioversion

BACKGROUND: Recently few studies tried to confirm the association between AF and lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)), however the results remained conflicted. In present study we evaluated the possible interaction between Lp(a), inflammatory state and echocardiographic characteristics in patients after successful electrical cardioversion (EC) of persistent AF. We also tried to investigate the role of Lp(a) as a possible prognostic factor for AF recurrence after successful EC. RESULTS: Data of 79 patients admitted due to planned EC was analyzed. After successful procedure patients were monitored for 2 years. For analytical purposes patients were divided in two groups according to AF recurrence. There was no significant difference between Lp(a) levels in both groups. We also didn't find any positive correlation between Lp(a) and CRP levels, as well as between Lp(a) levels and left atrium diameter. For logistic and survival analysis optimal cut-off value of Lp(a) ≥ 0.32 (upper quartile) was used. In logistic regression model with AF recurrence as dependent variable Lp(a) didn't show any statistically significant association with AF recurrence. Survival analysis showed slightly higher AF recurrence rate in group with higher Lp(a) levels but not to the level of statistical significance (log rank test, p = 0.62). CONCLUSIONS: We weren't able to confirm the association between Lp(a) levels and AF recurrence, inflammation and left atrium diameter in patients after successful EC of persistent AF. Further studies are needed to elucidate the role of Lp(a) in this clinical setting.