Distinct increase in hematocrit associated with paroxysm of atrial fibrillation.

In a previous study we found that hemoconcentration, which was identified by an increase in hematocrit, occured during a paroxysm of atrial fibrillation. In the present study we investigated the changes in hematocrit from sinus rhythm to paroxysm in 10 patients who had multiple paroxysms of atrial fibrillation in order to assess the ranges of the changes in hematocrit among the paroxysms. In these patients hematocrit was measured simultaneously with electrocardiographic recording during 3 or more paroxysms and sinus rhythm just before each paroxysm. The changes in hematocrit varied among the paroxysms. The maximum increase in hematocrit in each patient ranged from 3.5 to 8.0 points with an average of 5.1 points. Such a distinct increase in hematocrit which abruptly develops with a paroxysm of atrial fibrillation may be a potential risk for thrombus formation.