Chronic kidney disease is associated with the incidence of atrial fibrillation: the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study.

BACKGROUND: Chronic kidney disease is associated with the incidence of cardiovascular disease. Chronic kidney disease may also increase the risk of atrial fibrillation (AF), but existing studies have reported inconsistent results.

METHODS AND RESULTS: We estimated cystatin C-based glomerular filtration rate (eGFR(cys)) and measured urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR) in 10 328 men and women free of AF from the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study in 1996 to 1998. Incidence of AF was ascertained through the end of 2007. During a median follow-up of 10.1 years, we identified 788 incident AF cases. Compared with individuals with eGFR(cys) ≥90 mL · min(-1) · 1.73 m(-2), multivariable hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of AF were 1.3 (95% CI, 1.1 to 1.6), 1.6 (95% CI, 1.3 to 2.1), and 3.2 (95% CI, 2.0 to 5.0; P for trend

CONCLUSION: In this large population-based study, reduced kidney function and presence of albuminuria were strongly associated with the incidence of AF independently of other risk factors.