Plasma atrial natriuretic polypeptide concentrations during and after reversion of paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardias.

Plasma concentrations of immunoreactive atrial natriuretic polypeptide were raised in 22 of 23 patients with paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia and in all seven patients with atrial flutter. Plasma concentrations of atrial natriuretic polypeptide rose soon after the onset of supraventricular tachycardia. A sample taken 30 minutes after reversion to sinus rhythm (pharmacological or non-pharmacological) showed a significant fall in 19 of the 23 patients with paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia and all seven patients with atrial flutter. Because atrial natriuretic polypeptide has powerful natriuretic and diuretic properties, an increase may contribute considerably to the polyuria that is often associated with episodes of supraventricular tachycardia.