Red cell distribution width to albumin ratio is a risk factor for atrial fibrillation in general population

Abstract Background: Red cell distribution width to albumin ratio (RAR) has been demonstrated to be associated with the risk of cardiovascular diseases. However, it is still unknown whether the RAR affects atrial fibrillation (AF) . Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the association between RAR and AF in general population. Methods: A total of 2436 participants were retrospectively enrolled. Red cell distribution width, albumin and other data were collected. AF was confirmed using 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) or 24-hour Holter. All participants were divided into four groups according to the RAR values by quartile (Q1, Q2, Q3, Q4). Univariate and multivariate logistic regression were performed to examine the correlation between RAR and AF. Results: Among the 2436 participants, 227 (9.3%) AF cases were observed. The RDW and RAR were significantly higher in AF group than in non-AF group (all P <0.001). Univariate logistic regression showed an positive association between RAR and AF ( P <0.001). In multivariate logistic regression, RAR was found to be an independent risk factor of AF after adjusting for confounding factors (OR:2.015, 95%CI:1.315-3.089, P =0.001) . Conclusions: The present study indicated that elevated RAR level was independently correlated with increased risk of AF in general population.