Genetic susceptibility to atrial fibrillation in patients with congestive heart failure

Background Previous reports demonstrate an association between atrial fibrillation (AF) and certain polymorphisms in genes controlling the production of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS). Objectives The purpose of this study was to examine the association between polymorphisms of ACE and eNOS gene complexes and AF in an unselected series of patients with congestive heart failure (CHF). Methods In each of the 340 unselected, unrelated patients with CHF, common polymorphisms in ACE (I/D) and eNOS (T786C, G894T, and intron 4b/a) gene complexes were evaluated. Associations between individual genotypes and the presence of AF were assayed. Results AF was present in 51 patients (15%) and was significantly associated with the ACE D/D (odds ratio 1.5) and eNOS 894 T/T genotypes (odds ratio 3.2). There were no significant associations between AF and eNOS 786 or eNOS intron 4 genotypes. Conclusion In patients with CHF, the presence of AF was significantly associated with certain ACE and eNOS genotypes.