Daijiworld Media Network - London

London, Oct 27: A major UK Biobank study has revealed that atrial cardiomyopathy (AtCM) — a condition involving electrical and structural changes in the heart’s upper chambers — is closely linked to a higher risk of atrial fibrillation (AF), stroke, and heart failure (HF).

Once considered a secondary effect of heart disease, AtCM is now emerging as a key factor driving cardiac remodelling and disease progression. The large-scale study, which analysed data from over 26,000 participants, sought to understand how AtCM contributes to major cardiovascular events.

Researchers found that 15.7% of participants had at least one marker of AtCM, while 2.3% had two or more. Those with a single marker were nearly twice as likely to develop atrial fibrillation (HR 1.88), while individuals with multiple markers faced over four times the risk (HR 4.59). They were also found to be three times more likely to develop heart failure (HR 3.08) and stroke (HR 3.07).

The study further showed that incorporating AtCM markers into clinical assessments improved AF risk prediction by nearly 14%, strengthening its value as a diagnostic tool.

Experts say the findings underscore that AtCM may act as a shared pathway for atrial fibrillation, heart failure, and stroke — making early detection crucial. Managing modifiable risks such as hypertension, coronary artery disease, and alcohol consumption could slow disease progression.

Ongoing research, including the RACE X trial, aims to determine whether advanced treatments like catheter ablation can reverse or prevent the progression of AtCM.

Clinicians, researchers noted, must now view AtCM not merely as a byproduct but as a central target in cardiovascular prevention and care.