The Canadian journal of cardiology
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Comparative Study
Brain natriuretic peptide predicts successful cardioversion in patients with atrial fibrillation and maintenance of sinus rhythm.
Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) is released from the heart by hemodynamically induced muscle stretch. Patients with atrial fibrillation have higher levels of BNP than those in sinus rhythm. ⋯ In patients with persistent atrial fibrillation, BNP levels are associated with successful cardioversion and maintenance of sinus rhythm two weeks after cardioversion.