Association of inflammation with atrial fibrillation in hyperthyroidism

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between inflammation and development of atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients with hyperthyroidism. METHODS: A total of 65 patients with newly diagnosed hyperthyroidism, 35 of whom were in sinus rhythm and 30 of whom in AF. Thirty five age- and gender-matched patients in a control group were included in the study. Factors associated with the development of AF were evaluated by multivariate regression analysis. RESULTS: Factors associated with AF in multivariate analysis included high sensitivity C reactive protein (HsCRP) [odds ratio (OR): 11.19; 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 1.80-69.53; P = 0.003], free T4 (OR: 8.76; 95% CI: 2.09–36.7; P = 0.003), and left atrial diameter (OR: 1.25; 95% CI: 1.06–1.47; P = 0.008). CONCLUSIONS: The results of the present study suggest that HsCRP, an indicator of inflammation, free T4 and left atrial diameter are associated with the development AF in patients with hyperthyroidism.