α 1 -Antitrypsin deficiency and increased risk of atrial fibrillation in two large population-based cohorts
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Background α 1 -Antitrypsin deficiency may affect heart tissue remodeling and susceptibility to atrial fibrillation. We hypothesised that α 1 -antitrypsin deficiency is associated with increased risk of atrial fibrillation. Study design and methods In a nationwide nested study in Denmark, we identified 2233 individuals with α 1 -antitrypsin deficiency and 22 133 controls matched on sex, age and municipality. Further, in another population-based cohort we included 102 481 individuals from the Copenhagen General Population Study and an additional 187 individuals from the Danish α 1 -Antitrypsin Deficiency Registry. We recorded hospitalisations, digoxin medication use and deaths related to atrial fibrillation (contributing cause of death) during a median follow-up time of up to 67 years. Results Individuals with versus without α 1 -antitrypsin deficiency had increased risk of hospitalisation due to atrial fibrillation in the nationwide cohort (adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) 1.99, 95% CI: 1.71–2.32) and in the population-based cohort (aHR 1.51, 95% CI: 1.09–2.09). Individuals with versus without α 1 -antitrypsin deficiency also had an increased risk of digoxin use (aHR 2.11, 95% CI: 1.42–3.14) in the nationwide cohort. Lastly, individuals with versus without α 1 -antitrypsin deficiency had increased risk of atrial fibrillation-related death in the nationwide cohort (aHR 2.60, 95% CI: 1.65–4.11). Conclusion Individuals with α 1 -antitrypsin deficiency have 2- to 3-fold increased risks of atrial fibrillation hospitalisation, digoxin use and atrial fibrillation-related mortality.
Source: ERJ Open Research
Language: English
Subfield: Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $808
Awards: G4757395492, G7652814380, G8309340118
OpenAlex ID: W4408811376