Selenium Status in Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation

Background: Selenium deficiency is established in a number of socially important diseases. Data about selenium status in paroxysmal a trial fibrillation (PAF) are lacking. Aim: To study the selenium status in patients with PAF by measuring serum selenium levels during the arrhythmia and after the conversion to sinus rhythm. Methods: Selenium levels were measured in 33 patients (17 male, 16 female; mean age 60.03±1.93) and 33 controls (17 male, 16 female; mean age 59.27±1.72).In patients selenium was examinedupon hospitalization (baseline), on 24thhour and on 28th day after sinus rhythm restoration.In controls it was determined once. Selenium was quantified by atomic absorption spectrometry. Results: Mean AF duration up to hospitalization was 8.64±1.03 hours. Baseline selenium values in patients were lower than in controls (0.898±0.025 vs 0.972±0.025 μmol/L, p=0.04). On 24th hour and 28th day no significant difference was established (0.938±0.026 vs 0.972±0.025 μmol/L, p=0.35; 0.952±0.023 vs 0.972±0.025 μmol/L, p=0.55, respectively). Conclusion: Selenium deficiency is observed in the early hours of PAF that restores quickly after cardio version. This specific dynamics suggests a close relationship between selenium levels and PAF. Further studies are necessary to position selenium deficiency in the complex system of path physiological mechanisms of PAF manifestation and recurrences.