Comparison of Serum Uric Acid Concentrations in Subjects With and Without Atrial Fibrillation

Uric acid, a product of purine degradation, is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Studies have demonstrated a relationship between uric acid and increased inflammatory and oxidative stress in the general population. Recent studies also confirmed the role of inflammatory factors and oxidative stress in atrial fibrillation (AF). The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between serum uric acid levels and the risk of AF. This case-control study consisted of 32 patients with AF and 32 healthy controls. Both groups were matched by age, sex, and underlying disease. The diagnosis of AF was based on an electrocardiogram and confirmed by a cardiologist. Patients with heart failure, coronary artery disease, recent infection, renal failure, thyroid disorders and malignancy or who were treated with drugs affecting serum uric acid were excluded. The uric acid levels in both groups were measured using an enzymatic method. The mean serum uric acid of the two groups was compared with a t-test and SPSS software. The female to male ratio in the two groups was 1.28. The mean age of the patients in the AF group and control group was 69.12 ± 11.8 and 67.75 ± 14.8, respectively. There were no significant differences in the age and sex of the two groups. The mean serum uric acid in the AF group and control group was significantly different (5.79 ± 1.19 mg/dL and 4.81 ± 1.26 mg/dL, respectively; P = 0.002). The results suggest that serum uric acid can be considered a risk factor for AF. Further studies are recommended to investigate the role of uric acid reduction in the prevention and treatment of AF.