Abnormal troponin level as short-term predictor of poor outcome in acute atrial fibrillation

Background The link between minor troponin (cardiac troponin I [cTnI]) elevations and atrial fibrillation (AF) is still debated. Methods A total of 948 patients with AF lasting less than 48 hours participated in the study and were required to undergo 1-month and 12-month follow-up. The exclusion criteria were represented by younger than 18 years, the presence of hemodynamic instability, or severe comorbidity. Primary end point was the composite of ischemic vascular events inclusive of stroke, acute coronary syndrome, revascularization, and death. Results In the short term, 4 patients (5%) of 78 with abnormal cTnI reached the primary end point (P =.001 vs others). Conversely, in the long term, 13 patients (17%) with abnormal cTnI, 21 (10%) with known ischemic vascular disease, and 50 (5%) aged patients (75 ± 10 years) reached the primary end point (P