Levels of circulating sST2 in patients with hypertension and atrial fibrillation

Abstract

The article presents the results of studying the variability of the level of soluble growth stimulating factor expressed by gene 2 (sST2) in plasma in patients with hypertension depending on various clinical characteristics. An open observational one-point randomized comparative study included 118 patients with stage II hypertension. The main group included 89 patients with stage II hypertension and various clinical forms of atrial fibrillation. The comparison group included 29 patients with stage II hypertension without atrial fibrillation. All patients underwent a general clinical examination. In addition, plasma levels of sST2 were determined. In accordance with the aim and objectives of the study, plasma levels of sST2 were analyzed depending on the clinical characteristics of the patients, the main risk factors and the nature of the damage to the target organs. The calculation of different levels of the biomarker was carried out, followed by the selection of groups with a relatively low, intermediate and relatively high level of sST2. In the course of the study, it was determined that in patients with atrial fibrillation, a significantly higher level of sST2 is observed in paroxysmal and permanent compared to persistent form of arrhythmia. A significant correlation (p<0.01) between the content of sST2 in plasma and the severity of the clinical course of arrhythmia, determined by the EHRA (European Heart Rhythm Association) class, has been proven. In addition, in patients with stage II hypertension with/without atrial fibrillation, increased plasma levels of sST2 are associated with the presence of concomitant chronic coronary disease, the functional class of chronic heart failure according to the NYHA (New York Heart Association) and the presence of such factors risk as pulse arterial pressure >60 mm Hg and type II diabetes. Keywords: chronic coronary disease; chronic heart failure; stimulating growth factor expressed by gene 2; variability of the sST2 level.