Endothelial function changes in paroxysmal atrial fibrillation and treatment with propafenone

Abstract

Aim. To evaluate the changes of endothelial function in arterial hypertension (AH) patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF) in treatment with propafenone (Propanorm, PRO.MED.CS Praha a. s.) in comparison with bisoprolol.

Material and methods. To the study, 62 AH patients included with paroxysmal AH, age 45-63 y. o. (mean age 54,5±3,7 y. o.). Patients were randomized to 2 groups: 32 of group 1 (main) for rhythm-control were taking propafenone (Propanorm, PRO.MED.CS Praha a. s.) 450 mg daily, and 30 of group 2 (comparison) were taking bisoprolol for rate control. The groups were comparable by gender, age, severity of AH and duration of arrhythmia. Changes in endothelium vascular motion function and biochemical markers of endothelial dysfunction were assessed at inclusion and in 12 months of therapy.

Results. Sinus rhythm retention in propafenone group facilitated the improvement of vascular motion function of endothelium — endothelium dependent vasodilatation of brachial artery showed tendency to rise significantly from 5,4±0,3% to 6,9±0,1% (р=0,01). In patients taking bisoprolol for pulse reduction during 12 months, there was negative tendency from 4,8±0,2% to 3,6±0,1% (р=0,003), that points on worsening of endothelial function with persistent AF. Repeat measurement of biochemical markers of endothelial dysfunction revealed that in 12 months there is raise of endothelin concentration in both groups. Value of the collagen-binding activeness of von Willebrand factor in 12 months significantly reduced from 131±12 to 118±6 U/dL (р<0,05) in those retaining sinus rhythm with propafenone, and increased from 135±11 U/dL to 147±12 U/dL in those with rate control by bisoprolol.

Conclusion. In AH patients with paroxysmal AF retention of sinus rhythm with propafenone facilitated the improvement of vascular motion function of endothelium and decrease of collagen binding activeness of von Willebrand factor.