Underweight is a risk factor for atrial fibrillation: A nationwide population-based study

Background: Obesity is a well-known risk factor for development of atrial fibrillation (AF). However, the impact of underweight on AF has not been previously recognized. We sought to determine the risk of AF in subjects with underweight in this study.

Methods: We analyzed clinical data from a total of 132,063 individuals with the age of 40years or older who received health care checkups arranged by the national insurance program between 2003 and 2004. Newly diagnosed nonvalvular AF was identified using claim data during a median follow-up duration of 9.0years.

Results: The mean body mass index (BMI) of patients was 23.9kg/m(2), and 3,323 individuals (2.5%) were classified as being underweight (BMI <18.5kg/m(2)). During the study period, 3,237 individuals (2.5%) developed AF. There was a U-shaped relationship between BMI and AF occurrence: Each 1.0kg/m(2) increase of BMI above 20kg/m(2) was associated with a 6% increased risk of AF (p<0.001), while each 1.0kg/m(2) lower BMI below 20kg/m(2) was associated with a 13% increased risk of AF (p<0.001) after multivariable adjustment. Underweight was significantly associated with 23% increased risk of AF, while obesity classes I and II were with 26% and 120% increased risk of AF, respectively. Excess risk of AF in the underweight was independent of thyroid disease, chronic lung disease, or history of malignancy, and was not attributable to cigarette smoking, low socioeconomic status, excessive physical activity, or heavy alcohol consumption.

Conclusion: BMI has a U-shaped relationship with the risk of AF. Underweight was an independent risk factor for AF independent of confounding factors such as chronic lung disease and malignancy. These findings suggest that underweight is associated with biological effects that contribute to the development of AF.