Brain natriuretic peptide is elevated in outpatients with atrial fibrillation

Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels were measured in 72 outpatients with chronic atrial fibrillation [AF) and in 49 control patients without AF. BNP levels were significantly higher in patients with AF (median value 131 pg/ml) than without AF (median value 49 pg/ml; p <0.001), and remained significantly higher after controlling for demographic and clinical variables. (C) 2003 by Excerpta Medica, Inc.