Atrial fibrillation and diabetes mellitus. Correlation, co-existence, and coagulation therapy

Abstract

Epidemiological studies have reported on the association between diabetes mellitus (DM) and subsequent risk of atrial fibrillation (AF) with inconsistent results. Individuals with DM present with an increased risk (approximate 40%) of subsequent AF compared with unaffected individuals, but the mechanisms underlying the relationship between DM and AF remains speculative. Both entities share common risk factors and, thus, seem to be closely associated with each other. Obviously, the quality of glycemic control is directly related with the risk for AF; the risk is higher with longer duration of treated diabetes and poorer glycemic control. Future research should identify approaches to reduce the risk of AF in people with diabetes by means of consequent screening and anti-coagulation therapy.