Takeaway
- A meta-analysis found a significantly greater risk of developing atrial fibrillation (AF) in athletes compared with non-athletes.
- Younger athletes were at an increased risk of AF compared with older athletes.
Why this matters
- Future studies are warranted on the prevalence of AF in athletes based on specific exercise dose parameters, including training and competition history.
Study design
- UK researchers conducted a meta-analysis of 13 observational studies (7 cohort; 6 case-control) including 70,478 participants (6816 athletes; 63,662 non-athletes).
- Funding: None.
Key results
- Athletes vs non-athletes had a greater risk of developing AF (OR, 2.46; 95% CI, 1.73-3.51; P<.001; I2, 84%).
- A significant association was seen between the mode of exercise and risk of AF, with mixed vs endurance sport conferring a greater risk (P=.0204).
- Younger athletes (age, <55 years) vs older athletes (age, ≥55 years) were significantly more likely to develop AF (P<.001).
Limitations
- Heterogeneity among studies.
- Risk of residual confounding.
This clinical summary originally appeared on Univadis, part of the Medscape Professional Network.