Introduction
A
variety of cardiovascular diseases have been demonstrated to have seasonal
variations with peaks in the winter and troughs in the summer. Studies
regarding atrial fibrillation (AF) have had varying results and this review
describes the current data regarding the seasonal variation of AF and
mechanisms mediating this seasonal fluctuation.
Methods
A
systematic review was conducted of PubMed, EBSCO and OVID for manuscripts
describing the association between seasonal variation and the occurrence of AF.
Studies meeting eligibility criteria were assessed for quality and reporting
bias. Data was extracted in regards to
the following associations: seasonal variation and AF paroxysms, temperature
and AFparoxysms, duration of daylight and AF paroxysms, barometric pressure and
AF paroxysms, alcohol and AF paroxysms, as well as seasonal variation and AF
related stroke.
Results
A
total of 15 studies were identified for inclusion. Of these, 11 studies
assessed seasonal variation and the remaining 4 studies assessed seasonal
variation in AF related stroke. AF paroxysms peaked in winter with a trough in
summer. There was an inverse correlation between temperatures as well
barometric pressure and the occurrence of AF paroxysms and a positive
correlation with duration of daylight.
Conclusion
The
rate of occurrence of paroxysmal AF varies by seasons and is greatest during
winter and least in summer.
Credits: Dr. Rohit S. Loomba