Coronary disease & ACS

Atrial fibrillation and risk of myocardial infarction by sex and time since diagnosis. The Tromsø Study 1994–2021

Eur Heart J Qual Care Clin OutcomesPublished Cox proportional- and Fine-Gray sub-distribution-hazard regression

Authors' conclusion

AF is a risk factor for MI in both sexes, but risk patterns differ. Women are at increased hazard of NSTEMI 1-10 + years since AF, while men are at increased hazard of STEMI within six months and NSTEMI within the first year.

Study context

Population
Participants from the Tromsø Study (1994–95) without atrial fibrillation (AF) and myocardial infarction (MI) at baseline53% women
Participants
25,132 participants
Comparison
AF as a risk factor for MI, STEMI and NSTEMI overall and by time since AF diagnosis
Outcome
Incident AF and subsequent MI
Follow-up
During
Methodological detailsthe Tromsø Study (1994-95), followed through 2021
  • The Tromsø Study (1994-95)
  • Followed through 2021

Main finding

As reported in the abstract

Women

115

Men

124

Further findings

MI, women

sHR (95% CI)
AFWomen1.39 (1.12–1.72)

MI in women by time since AF · ≥10 years

sHR (95% CI)
AFWomen, peak at ≥10 years1.75 (1.07–2.84)

MI in men by time since AF · within the first six months

sHR (95% CI)
AFMen, not increased thereafter2.27 (1.45–3.54)

MI, women

Not associated in men

MI in women by time since AF · ≥10 years

In women, the hazard of MI increased 1-10 + years since AF

STEMI

STEMI hazard was increased only in men within six months

NSTEMI

NSTEMI hazard was elevated in women 1-10 + years since AF and in men within the first year

Original publication

Atrial fibrillation and risk of myocardial infarction by sex and time since diagnosis. The Tromsø Study 1994–2021. Eur Heart J Qual Care Clin Outcomes. Published 24 April 2026. doi:10.1093/ehjqcco/qcag039

Composed by AI from the published abstract and checked against it. How Briefs are made →

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