Arterial stiffness determined according to the cardio-ankle vascular index is associated with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation: a cross-sectional study.

Background: Several lines of evidence suggest that atrial fibrillation (AF) may be a consequence of vascular disease. We investigated the relationship between cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI), a new index of arterial stiffness, and the presence of paroxysmal AF (PAF).

Methods And Results: 181 outpatients (91 patients with PAF and 90 age- and gender-matched subjects without PAF) were analysed for their sinus rhythm.

Reduced diurnal variation of heart rate is associated with increased plasma B-type natriuretic peptide level in patients with atrial fibrillation.

Background: The plasma B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) level has been shown to be increased in patients with chronic atrial fibrillation (AF) independent of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). The purpose of this study is to evaluate the relationship between the plasma BNP level and heart rate variation in patients with AF.

Hypothesis: The plasma BNP level is associated with heart rate variation in patients with AF.