NSAIDs and AF Risk: Is There a Connection?

The use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) is associated with an 18% increased risk of atrial fibrillation (AF), according to a recent study.

For their study, the researchers identified and assessed 28,529 participants with AF and 28,529 controls. Patient data were obtained from the National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD) in Taiwan and 3 independent Longitudinal Health Insurance Databases (LHIDs).
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The association between NSAID use and AF risk was examined using conditional logistic regression models. Results were adjusted for several covariates.

Findings revealed that participants who used NSAIDs had an increased risk of AF compared with non-users (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.18). In particular, following further assessment, the researchers found that that non-selective NSAID use (aOR 1.18), as well as combined selective and non-selective NSAID use (aOR 1.30), were tied to a significantly higher risk of AF.

“NSAID use was associated with an increased risk of AF occurrence among the participants included in our study cohort,” the researchers concluded. “Closely monitoring the adverse effects of NSAID treatment on the risk of AF will be important, particularly among individuals at high risk.”

—Christina Vogt

Reference:

Chuang SY, Hsu PF, Lin FJ, et al. Association between nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs and atrial fibrillation among a middle‐aged population: a nationwide population‐based cohort [Published online March 20, 2018]. Br J Clin Pharmacol. https://doi.org/10.1111/bcp.13558.