Increased risk of incident atrial fibrillation in young adults with mental disorders: A nationwide population-based study
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Published on: February 26, 2013
Hyun Jin Ahn1, So-Ryoung Lee1, Eue-Keun Choi2
1Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
Insights
Young adults with mental disorders face a significantly higher risk of developing atrial fibrillation (AF). Increased awareness and monitoring for AF in this population are crucial for early detection and management.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Psychiatry
- Public Health
Background:
- Mental disorders and cardiovascular diseases share complex links.
- Limited data exists on the incidence of atrial fibrillation (AF) in individuals with mental health conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between mental disorders and the risk of new-onset atrial fibrillation (AF).
- To specifically examine this risk in young adults (aged 20-39).
Main Methods:
- Utilized the Korean National Health Insurance Database (2009-2012).
- Included young adults without prior AF, diagnosed with depression, insomnia, anxiety, bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia.
- Monitored for new-onset AF during the follow-up period.
Main Results:
- A cohort of over 6.5 million subjects was analyzed.
- Individuals with mental disorders exhibited a higher incidence of AF compared to those without.
- Mental disorders were independently associated with a 1.53-fold increased risk of AF (aHR 1.526).
- Specific disorders like bipolar disorder and schizophrenia showed a 2-fold higher AF risk.
Conclusions:
- Young adults with mental disorders have an elevated risk of incident AF.
- Healthcare providers should consider AF screening in young adults diagnosed with mental health conditions.
Background:
Mental disorders and cardiovascular diseases are closely related. However, a paucity of information on the risk of incident atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients with mental disorders exists.
Objective:
We aimed to assess the association between mental disorders and the risk of AF, particularly in young adults.
Methods:
Using the Korean National Health Insurance Database between 2009 and 2012, we identified adults aged 20-39 years without a history of AF and who have been diagnosed with mental disorders. Mental disorders were defined as having one of the following diagnoses: depression, insomnia, anxiety disorder, bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia. The primary outcome was new-onset AF during follow-up.
Results:
A total of 6,576,582 subjects (mean age 30.9 ± 5.0 years; 3,919,339 [59.6%] men) were included. Among the total population, 10% had mental disorders. During the follow-up period, 8932 incident AF events occurred. Patients with mental disorders showed a higher AF incidence than did those without (25.4 per 100,000 person-years vs 17.7 per 100,000 person-years). After multivariable adjustment, mental disorders were associated with a significantly higher risk of AF (adjusted hazard ratio 1.526; 95% confidence interval 1.436-1.621). Patients with bipolar disorder or schizophrenia had a 2-fold higher risk of AF and those with depression, insomnia, and anxiety disorder had a 1.5- to 1.7-fold higher risk of AF than did those without mental disorders.
Conclusion:
Young adults diagnosed with mental disorders have a higher risk of incident AF. Awareness for AF in high-risk populations should thus be considered.
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