Research Shows How Your Genes Could Predict Your Atrial Fibrillation Risk

Your genes influence your risk of developing the heart condition atrial fibrillation, a large-scale genetic survey has shown. This may prevent cases of atrial fibrillation and lead to better and more precise treatment.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common heart rhythm disorder characterized by rapid and irregular beating of the atria, the upper chambers of the heart. This condition can lead to poor blood flow and increase the risk of stroke, heart failure, and other heart-related complications. Symptoms of AF may include palpitations, shortness of breath, and fatigue, though some individuals may be asymptomatic. Factors contributing to AF include age, high blood pressure, heart disease, and genetic predisposition.

Now researchers from the University of Copenhagen and Rigs Hospital studied the role of genetics on atrial fibrillation development and published their findings in the journal JAMA Cardiology.

In the study, researchers applied a genetic risk score for atrial fibrillation (AF) to over 400,000 individuals from the large, international UK Biobank. A genetic risk score is calculated based on known genetic variations that indicate a predisposition to atrial fibrillation. While some variations slightly increase the risk, others decrease it. Through computer calculations, the researchers assessed the significance of these common variations and determined each person's overall genetic risk for AF.

Additionally, the researchers examined the effect of rare genetic changes in nearly 18,000 different genes. They identified six genes where genetic changes significantly influence a person's risk of developing atrial fibrillation. Approximately one percent of the participants carried such rare genetic changes in one of these genes. When combined with their overall genetic risk, these changes could substantially increase their likelihood of developing atrial fibrillation.

“We can tell that those with a high genetic risk score for atrial fibrillation have significantly increased risk of developing the condition – especially if they also experience classic risk factors for atrial fibrillation such as hypertension and obesity. If you both have a high overall genetic risk score and changes in one of the identified genes, your risk of developing atrial fibrillation appears to be almost five times as high as usual,” said the researchers.

Reference: Vad OB, Monfort LM, Paludan-Müller C, et al. Rare and Common Genetic Variation Underlying Atrial Fibrillation Risk. JAMA Cardiol. Published online June 26, 2024. doi:10.1001/jamacardio.2024.1528