Objective: To investigate the role of kaliuretic peptide (KP) and molar ratio of KP/ atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) in atrial fibrillation.
Methods: The levels of plasma KP and ANP in 23 patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (group I), 24 patients with persistent atrial fibrillation (>1 year, group II) and 20 healthy humans (group III) were determined with radioimmunoassay.
Results: Compared with group III, the levels of plasma KP and ANP of the group I and group II were both higher (both P<0.01). Compared with group III, the level of KP/ANP of the group I was lower (P<0.01), while that of group II was no substantial change (P>0.05).
Conclusion: The change of levels in ANP, KP and ANP/KP may play important role in atrial fibrillation.