Abstract

Introduction: C-reactive protein (CRP) has shown associations with multiple cardiovascular disorders, including atrial fibrillation (AF). Similarly, the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is gaining recognition as a potential prognostic factor in cardiovascular health. Although AF has been widely studied, much of the current research emphasizes individuals of White ethnicity, underscoring the need for further investigation across more ethnically diverse populations.

Methods: To address this gap, this study utilized a Korean hospital database to examine the association of AF with CRP and NLR in a Korean patient population. A retrospective cohort study was conducted on 164 patients, equally divided between AF and normal sinus rhythm groups. CRP levels and NLR were measured using standard assays, and electrocardiography data confirmed AF diagnosis. Statistical analysis, including receiver operating characteristic curve evaluation, was performed to assess the discriminatory power of these biomarkers.

Results: Analysis of the study data revealed a significant difference in CRP levels between patients with AF and those with a normal sinus rhythm, indicating a pronounced inflammatory response associated with AF. Nevertheless, NLR did not demonstrate a significant difference between the AF and control groups.

Conclusion: While CRP could be a dependable marker for identifying inflammation in AF patients, NLR may not offer the same level of differentiation within this population. This study underscores the importance of evaluating inflammatory markers in AF within Korean individuals and highlights the need for broader, ethnicity-specific research in cardiovascular disease.