The Relationship between Serum Sodium Concentration and Atrial Fibrillation among Adult Patients in Emergency Department Settings

Objective: Alterations in serum levels of sodium may lead to cardiac arrhythmia by affecting the membrane potentials of cardiac cells. Previous studies have documented the association between postoperative atrial fibrillation and reduction in serum magnesium level after cardiovascular surgery well. However, there is no study assessing the relationship between serum sodium concentration and atrial fibrillation. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the relationship between serum sodium concentration and atrial fibrillation. Material and Methods: The present study had a cross-sectional design. The study population included 240 cases (120 patients with atrial fibrillation and 120 controls). Patients with atrial fibrillation were compared with the control group in terms of serum sodium level. Results: The mean serum sodium level in the atrial fibrillation group was 136.0±18.3 mEq/l, while it was found to be 142.0±23.9 mEq/l (p=0.04) in the control group. The mean serum sodium level in patients with permanent atrial fibrillation was 139±14 mEq/l, whereas it was 132.0±22.5 mEq/l in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (p=0.03). Conclusion: This study indicates that low serum sodium level might be associated with atrial fibrillation. However, to obtain accurate results, new prospective studies with more patients are needed. (JAEM 2014; 13: 131-4)