Publication:

The relation of serum GGT level in patients with non valvular atrial fibrillation and normal sinus rhythm

Background The primary objective of the study was to assess and compare the relation of serum GGT level in patients with non valvular atrial fibrillation and normal sinus rhythm. The fundamental mechanisms underlying AF remains poorly understood. Oxidative stress is hypothesized to induce and maintain nonvalvular atrial fibrillation particularly in elderly patients. GGT levels are increased in patients with chronic inflammation. Increased serum levels of GGT are found in chronic nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (AF) patients as compared with patients in sinus rhythm.

Methods We included 75 patients of nonvalvular atrial fibrillation and 75 patients of sinus rhythm after applying exclusion criteria. Serum level of gamma glutamyl transrerase (GGT) of both the groups was compared.

Results Presence of coronary artery disease, hypertension, gender, hyperlipidemia, diabetes mellitus and smoking status were comparable between the 2 groups (P > 0.05 for all). Serum gamma glutamyl transferase activity in 75 cases was 71.45±26.21 with maximum being 147 IU/L more than the normal range for age, whereas in controls it was 19.68±5.53 i.e. much within the normal range for age.

Conclusions At the end of the study we concluded that serum GGT levels were significantly higher in patients with chronic nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (AF) patients as compared with patients in sinus rhythm.