The bidirectional relationship between chronic kidney disease and atrial fibrillation does not occur in elderly female outpatients

Introduction: The relationship between atrial fibrillation (AF) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) is bidirectional. Both diseases are characterised by high prevalence, additionally increasing with age. CKD, especially with glomerular filtration rate (GFR) < 60 ml/min/1.73 m(2) is a well-known independent risk factor of AF. However, this relationship was inadequately evaluated in elderly patients, especially females. Aim of the research: To evaluate whether there is a relationship between CKD and AF and if it is bidirectional in elderly females. Material and methods: The data was obtained from 336 female outpatients, aged 70 to 84 years, suffering from CKD. Results: Out of 336 females outpatients aged over 70 years suffering from CKD (10.12% with GFR < 60 ml/min/1.73 m(2)) selected to the study, 8.63% were diagnosed with AF, 21.13% with diabetes, and 63.99% with hypertension. 4.46% underwent a myocardial infraction, and 2.68% underwent a stroke. No relationship between CKD and AF was found (neither depending on stage of CKD, nor in multivariant analysis). AF correlated with diabetes and stroke but not with renal function parameters. Conclusions: In elderly females CKD does not influence on prevalence of AF, suggesting different pathogenesis of AF in this group. Further studies are required to establish this pathogenesis and potential risk factors of AF in this group of patients.