Association between lipid profile and risk of atrial fibrillation

Dyslipidemia, an important risk factor for cardiovascular disease, may be associated with atrial fibrillation (AF). Cross-sectional studies that have examined this association, however, have produced controversial results, and few longitudinal studies have been conducted.

Using annual health examinations in Japan, the association between lipid profile and the risk of new-onset AF was investigated in the general population. A total of 28,449 individuals who did not have AF at baseline were included in the study. During a follow-up of 4.5±2.7 years, 265 individuals (0.9%) developed AF. In multivariate models, low high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol was associated with the development of AF in women (hazard ratio [HR], 2.86; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.49-5.50) but not in men (HR, 1.35; 95%CI: 0.77-2.38). Women had a 28% higher risk of AF with each 10% decrease in HDL cholesterol. Neither triglycerides nor lipid ratios were associated with AF. After excluding individuals with risk factors for AF, including those who were taking anti-hypertensive drugs, had diabetes, and structural heart disease, the association between low HDL cholesterol and AF remained significant in women.

Low HDL cholesterol was associated with an increased risk of new-onset AF in women, but not in men.