Association between markers of arterial stiffness and atrial fibrillation in the Circulatory Risk in Communities Study (CIRCS)

Background and aims Limited evidence is available on the association between markers of arterial stiffness and the prevalence of atrial fibrillation among Asian populations. Therefore, we examined those associations in the Japanese population. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional population-based study of 4264 men and women aged 40–79 years. The augmentation index (AI), a marker of arterial stiffness, was calculated as the ratio of central pulse pressure/brachial pulse pressure, where the AI and central aortic pressure were measured by an automated tonometer: the HEM-9000AI device (Omron Healthcare co., Kyoto, Japan). Atrial fibrillation was estimated by the Minnesota codes using resting electrocardiograph (ECG). Results The prevalence of atrial fibrillation and total arrhythmia were higher with larger AI values. These associations did not change after adjustment for known cardiovascular risk factors. The multivariable odd ratios (95% confidence intervals) in the highest versus lowest tertiles of AI were 3.4 (1.4–8.6, p for trend = 0.008) for atrial fibrillation and 1.8 (1.2–2.7, p for trend = 0.004) for total arrhythmia. There was no association of central or brachial pulse pressure levels with the prevalence of atrial fibrillation or total arrhythmia. Conclusions AI values, but not brachial or central pulse pressures, were positively associated with the prevalence of atrial fibrillation and total arrhythmia, independent of cardiovascular risk factors.