Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 28, 2026

Catheter Ablation in Combination With Left Atrial Appendage Closure for Atrial Fibrillation
28:13

Catheter Ablation in Combination With Left Atrial Appendage Closure for Atrial Fibrillation

Published on: February 26, 2013

Increased risk of atrial fibrillation and flutter in patients with Cushing's syndrome: a population-based matched

Amir Polansky1,2, Yaron Rudman1,2, Shiri Kushnir3

  • 1Gray Faculty of Medical & Health Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel.

European Journal of Endocrinology
|May 27, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Cushing syndrome (CS) patients face a higher risk of developing atrial fibrillation/flutter (AF/AFL). This increased AF/AFL risk, linked to cardiovascular issues, necessitates close monitoring in CS patients.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Endocrinology
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Cushing syndrome (CS) is linked to cardiovascular disease.
  • Atrial fibrillation/flutter (AF/AFL) prevalence in CS patients is not well-defined.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence and risk of new-onset AF/AFL in patients with CS.
  • To analyze AF/AFL risk based on CS etiology and remission status.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective matched-cohort study using a large health database.
  • Inclusion of 609 CS patients and 3,018 matched controls.
  • Assessment of new-onset AF/AFL over a mean 15-year follow-up.

Main Results:

  • CS patients had higher pre-existing AF/AFL (3.6% vs. 2.1%).
  • CS significantly increased new-onset AF/AFL risk (HR 1.55).
  • Increased risk observed in Cushing's disease and adrenal CS, independent of remission status. Predictors include age, male sex, hypertension, vascular disease, and BMI.

Conclusions:

  • Cushing syndrome is associated with a significantly elevated risk of AF/AFL.
  • This risk persists across CS subtypes and remission status, highlighting the need for cardiovascular surveillance.
  • Cardiovascular comorbidities, not solely cortisol excess, appear to drive the increased AF/AFL risk.
Abstract

Keywords:
Cushing syndromeatrial fibrillationcardiologypituitary

Related Concept Videos

Cushing Syndrome II: Pathophysiology01:19

Cushing Syndrome II: Pathophysiology

Cortisol production is normally governed by the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis, which maintains hormonal balance through tightly regulated feedback mechanisms. Disruption of this regulatory system is central to the development of Cushing syndrome, whether the excess cortisol originates from external medications or internal pathology. Persistent cortisol elevation alters metabolism, immune function, and endocrine signaling, producing the characteristic clinical features of the...
Cushing Syndrome I: Introduction01:26

Cushing Syndrome I: Introduction

Cushing syndrome refers to the collection of clinical manifestations that arise when tissues are exposed to excessive amounts of cortisol or cortisol-like medications over an extended period. Cortisol, a glucocorticoid produced by the adrenal cortex, regulates metabolism, immune responses, and the body’s adaptation to stress. When its concentration remains chronically elevated, these physiological pathways become dysregulated, resulting in the characteristic features of the syndrome.Exogenous...
Adrenal Gland Disorders01:27

Adrenal Gland Disorders

Adrenal gland disorders manifest when the production of adrenal hormones deviates from the norm, resulting in either excessive or insufficient concentrations.
Adrenal insufficiency, characterized by insufficient cortisol and aldosterone production, leads to conditions like Addison's disease. This disorder, affecting the adrenal cortex, exhibits symptoms such as skin bronzing, dehydration, low blood pressure, fatigue, and weight loss. Congenital adrenal hyperplasia, a genetic ailment causing...
Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy01:29

Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, or HCM, is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder characterized by asymmetric left ventricular hypertrophy without ventricular dilation. It is more common in men and is typically diagnosed in young, athletic adults.EtiologyHCM is primarily genetic and is caused by mutations in genes encoding sarcomeric proteins. Researchers have identified over 1400 mutations across at least 11 different genes. Among these, the most frequently occurring mutations are found in the...
Coronary Artery Disease I: Introduction01:30

Coronary Artery Disease I: Introduction

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): An Overview with Scientific InsightsCoronary Artery Disease (CAD), often referred to as C-A-D, is a prevalent blood vessel disorder classified under the broader category of atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is a pathological process characterized by the hardening and narrowing of arteries due to the accumulation of atherosclerotic plaques. These plaques are composed of cholesterol, fatty substances, inflammatory cells, calcium, and fibrin, reducing blood flow to...
ECG Interpretation of Arrhythmias II: Atrial, Junctional and Ventricular Arrhythmias01:25

ECG Interpretation of Arrhythmias II: Atrial, Junctional and Ventricular Arrhythmias

Arrhythmia is a condition characterized by an irregular heart rhythm, with ECG changes that differ based on its origin and nature. The types of arrhythmias discussed below include atrial, junctional, and ventricular arrhythmias.Atrial ArrhythmiasPremature Atrial Complexes (PACs): PACs are early atrial beats caused by stress, caffeine, alcohol, electrolyte imbalances, hypoxia, hyperthyroidism, or certain medications (e.g., bronchodilators and decongestants). The ECG shows early P waves with an...