In this study, 47% of the patients exhibited LA reverse remodeling after RFCA for AF, with a concomitant improvement in serum ANP, BNP, and hs-CRP levels. The pre-procedural ANP level and maintenance of sinus rhythm were independently associated with LA reverse remodeling.

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Aim:Predictions of the onset of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in high risk individuals are of great clinical importance. Among various risk factors, elevated levels of oxidized low density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) in plasma have been shown to reflect unstable coronary plaques. Coronary calcification is a common finding in the elderly, however, its clinical implications as a risk factor for plaque rupture are controversial. This study was designed to investigate the clinical implications of plasma ox-LDL levels and coronary calcification detected by electron-beam computed tomography (EBCT), by comparing patients with AMI with those with stable angina pectoris (SAP). Methods: We measured plasma ox-LDL levels in AMI (n 34) and SAP (n 49) patients. In addition, a coronary calcium score was quantified with the Agatston system. The total coronary calcium score (TCS) was defined as the sum of the scores for each lesion. Results: TCS and total calcium area were significantly smaller in patients with AMI than in those with SAP. On the other hand, plasma ox-LDL levels were significantly higher in AMI patients than in SAP patients (p 0.0005). Conclusion: These results suggest that a combined assessment of coronary calcium and plasma ox-LDL levels may be useful for screening patients with unstable coronary plaques. J Atheroscler

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This study demonstrated that elevated serum hs-TnT levels are associated with AF recurrence independent of traditional risk factors and left atrial enlargement.