Increased risk of ischemic stroke and systemic embolism in hyperthyroidism-related atrial fibrillation: A nationwide cohort study

Kyu Kim, Pil Sung Yang, Eunsun Jang, Hee Tae Yu, Tae Hoon Kim, Jae Sun Uhm, Jong Youn Kim, Jung Hoon Sung, Hui Nam Pak, Moon Hyoung Lee, Gregory Y.H. Lip, Boyoung Joung

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

9 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Background: We aimed to evaluate the long-term risk of ischemic stroke/systemic embolism of hyperthyroidism-related AF. Methods: This retrospective population-based cohort study included records of 1,034,099 atrial fibrillation patients between 2005 and 2016 from the Korean National Health Insurance Service database. After exclusion, we identified 615,724 oral anticoagulation-naïve patients aged ≥18 years with new-onset non-valvular atrial fibrillation, of whom 20,773 had hyperthyroidism-related atrial fibrillation. After 3:1 propensity score matching, ischemic stroke and systemic embolism occurrences were compared between hyperthyroidism-related and non-hyperthyroidism-related (“nonthyroidal”) atrial fibrillation patients. Results: After exclusion, we identified 615,724 oral anticoagulation-naïve AF patients of whom 20,773 had hyperthyroidism-related AF. Median follow-up duration was 5.9 years. Hyperthyroidism-related AF patients had significantly higher risks of ischemic stroke and systemic embolism than nonthyroidal AF patients (1.83 vs 1.62 per 100-person year, hazard ratio[HR], 1.13; 95% confidence interval[CI], 1.07 to 1.19; P < 0.001). This risk was 36% higher in hyperthyroidism-related than in nonthyroidal AF patients within 1 year of atrial fibrillation diagnosis (3.65 vs 2.67 per 100-person year, HR, 1.36; 95% CI, 1.24 – 1.50; P < 0.001). This difference was also observed in the CHA2DS2-VASc score subgroup analysis. The risk of ischemic stroke and systemic embolism significantly decreased in patients treated for hyperthyroidism (HR, 0.64; 95% CI, 0.58 to 0.70; P < 0.001). Conclusions: Hyperthyroidism-related AF patients have high risks of ischemic stroke and systemic embolism like nonthyroidal AF, especially when initially diagnosed. This risk is reduced by treating hyperthyroidism.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)123-131
Number of pages9
JournalAmerican heart journal
Volume242
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2021 Dec

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2021

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Increased risk of ischemic stroke and systemic embolism in hyperthyroidism-related atrial fibrillation: A nationwide cohort study'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this