Effect of acupuncture on atrial fibrillation stratified by CHA2DS2-VASc score-a nationwide cohort investigation

Objective: This research aimed to make statements regarding the reduction in atrial fibrillation (AF) risk due to acupuncture, stratified by CHA(2)DS(2)-VASc score. Methods: The Kaplan-Meier method was performed to calculate cumulative incidence of outcomes for each group, and the log-rank test were performed to compare differences between groups. Incidences and hazard ratios (HRs) were estimated by univariate Cox proportional hazards models, and adjusted HRs (aHRs) were estimated by multivariate Cox proportional hazards models including demographic covariates and comorbid status. Results: In CHA(2)DS(2)-VASc scores of 0-1, 2-3, 4-5 and >5, cases with acupuncture were all associated with decreased incidence of AF (aHR 0.46 with 95% CI 0.42-0.51, P < 0.001 in the CHA(2)DS(2)-VASc scores of 0-1; aHR 0.53 with 95% CI 0.50-0.57, P < 0.001 in the CHA(2)DS(2)-VASc scores of 2-3; aHR 0.56 with 95% CI 0.52-0.61, P < 0.001 in the CHA(2)DS(2)-VASc scores of 4-5; and aHR 0.64 with 95% CI 0.55-0.74, P < 0.001 in the CHA(2)DS(2)-VASc scores of >5). Conclusion: Protective effect of acupuncture on AF was observed in this study, and the effect was more obvious for those with fewer comorbidities.

Automated summary

This study found that acupuncture has a protective effect on reducing the risk of atrial fibrillation (AF), with a more obvious effect observed in patients with fewer comorbidities. The results show decreased incidence of AF in different groups based on CHA(2)DS(2)-VASc scores, supporting the potential benefits of acupuncture in AF risk reduction.