INFLAMMATORY AND ELECTROPHYSIOLOGICAL PREDICTORS OF ATRIAL FIBRILLATION PROGRESSION IN PATIENTS WITH CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE

Abstract

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is one of the most common cardiac arrhythmias associated with increased morbidity, thromboembolic complications, and mortality. Recent evidence indicates that inflammatory activation and structural myocardial remodeling play a central role in AF progression. The present study aimed to evaluate inflammatory and electrophysiological predictors of atrial fibrillation progression in patients with cardiovascular disease. The study included 52 patients with documented AF who underwent electrocardiographic, echocardiographic, and biochemical evaluation. Elevated C-reactive protein (CRP), left atrial enlargement, and prolonged P-wave duration were significantly associated with recurrent arrhythmic episodes and worsening clinical status. Statistical analysis demonstrated a strong positive correlation between CRP levels and AF recurrence frequency (r = 0.71; p <0.001), while left atrial diameter negatively correlated with sinus rhythm maintenance (r = –0.64; p <0.01). The findings confirm the prognostic importance of inflammatory and electrophysiological abnormalities in atrial fibrillation progression.