Increased platelet activation and endothelial dysfunction in patients with atrial fibrillation immediately following percutaneous balloon mitral valvuloplasty

Abstract

Patients with mitral stenosis and chronic atrial fibrillation have increased plasma levels of vWf and fibrinogen levels compared with healthy controls, suggesting increased endothelial dysfunction and coagulation at baseline in these patients. The increased levels of sP-sel immediately post procedure and at 24 h, in association with increased vWf levels at 24 h after PBMVP, are in keeping with an increase in platelet activation and endothelial dysfunction following PBMVP. These changes may contribute to the increased risk of thromboembolism following PBMVP and suggest the need for adequate antithrombotic therapy following PBMVP.