Serum Uric Acid Levels in Relation to Atrial Fibrillation: A Case-Control Study

BACKGROUND: Although serum uric acid (SUA) levels have been reported to be associated with atrial fibrillation (AF), the specific associations remain unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the potential relationship of serum uric acid levels to atrial fibrillation. MATERIAL/METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed clinical data of 970 consecutive hospitalized patients (M/F, 519/451; age, 64.78±13.49 years). The study included 478 patients with AF, and 492 age-matched patients with sinus rhythm and no history of arrhythmia as a control group. The t test, ANOVA, chi-squared test, or Fisher exact test were performed to analyze clinical baseline data. RESULTS: Compared with the control group, patients with AF exhibited higher SUA levels (5.66±1.90 vs 5.35±1.55 mg/dL, P=0.006), especially women (P<0.001). Pearson correlation analysis showed SUA was influenced by A/G, PAB, and APOA1 in patients with AF. Logistic regression analysis showed SUA was associated with AF (total: OR=1.002, 95% CI: 1.000–1.003; women: OR=1.005, 95% CI: 1.003–1.007). After adjustment for clinical related factors for AF, SUA was still associated with AF (total: OR=1.004, 95% CI: 1.002–1.006; women: OR=1.005, 95% CI: 1.002–1.009). Also, elevated SUA was positively correlated with A/G and PAB and negatively correlated with APOA1. There were no significant differences in SUA levels in AF subtypes and complications. CONCLUSIONS: Elevated SUA levels were associated with AF, but the independent association was significant only in women. Elevated SUA may promote other AF-related factors and participate in the pathological process of AF.