Women With Atrial Fibrillation At Risk of Developing Cancer

A recent study has found that women suffering from atrial fibrillation are at high risk of developing cancer, particularly that of the colon. 
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is one of the most common cardiovascular events in which the heart rate becomes quite irregular and fast. The condition is linked with serious cardiovascular complications. However, the risk of non-cardiac complications is also quite high in AF patients and among them, malignant tumors have been found to be the most common. 

The study was carried out by David Conen, MD, MPH, of the University Hospital in Basel, Switzerland, and his fellow researchers. The results of the study were subsequently published in JAMA Cardiology. This long term study spanned a period of 20 years from 1993 to 2013. 

During the course of the study, the researchers followed 34, 691 women aged 45 years and above. At the start of the study, none of the women had any previous history of atrial fibrillation and cancer. This prospective study is the first of its kind aimed at studying the long term association between atrial fibrillation and cancer.

Atrial Fibrillation and Cancer Are Correlated

During the follow up study, it was found that 4% of the study subjects developed atrial fibrillation whereas 15% of the women developed cancer. Atrial fibrillation was found to be a major risk factor for the development of cancer in age-adjusted and multivariable-adjusted study models. 

The researchers particularly investigated into lung, breast, and colon cancer. According to the lead researcher Dr.Conen, the strongest association was found between atrial fibrillation and colon cancer. The study established that the number of patients of atrial fibrillation dying of non-AF causes is way higher than was previously thought. 

The risk of development of cancer in patients suffering from atrial fibrillation was highest one year after the diagnosis of AF. On the contrary, in the women suffering from cancer, the risk of atrial fibrillation was present only during the initial three months after the diagnosis of cancer. 

The researchers stipulated that hidden risk factors may underlie the association between AF and cancers. The exact mechanism by which atrial fibrillation increases the risk of cancer in women is as yet, unknown. One plausible explanation for it can be shared risk factors. This view is supported by the fact that new onset cancer and new onset AF share a common risk factor profile, particularly the body mass index (BMI) 

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On the other hand, AF may be the primary result of any systemic pathology which enhances the risk of both these conditions in women. Inflammatory processes and oxidative stress can be the underlying mechanism. Formation of blood clots can be another causative factor since both these conditions give rise to a pro-thrombotic state. 

This study has opened doors for new research into the precise mechanisms by which the risk of cancers increases in women with atrial fibrillation. It can lead to risk factor control for the prevention of cancer in such patients and formulation of effective preventive strategies for cancer control.