Bidirectional association between COPD and AF: a systematic review and meta-analysis - Report - MDSpire

Bidirectional association between COPD and AF: a systematic review and meta-analysis

  • By

  • Yunmeng Wang

  • Chaowei Ding

  • Yawei Liu

  • Jingchao Lu

  • June 19, 2026

  • 0 min

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Clinical Report: Reciprocal Relationship Between COPD and Atrial Fibrillation

Overview

This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluates the bidirectional association between chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and atrial fibrillation (AF), revealing that each condition increases the risk of the other.

Background

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and atrial fibrillation (AF) are prevalent conditions that significantly impact patient morbidity and mortality. Understanding their interrelationship is crucial, as both conditions can exacerbate each other.

Data Highlights

AssociationOdds Ratio (OR)95% Confidence Interval (CI)
AF → COPD1.561.06–2.29
COPD → AF1.721.42–2.09
AF in COPD (short-term mortality)1.76-
AF in COPD (long-term mortality)1.27-
COPD in AF (short-term mortality)1.54-
COPD in AF (long-term mortality)1.68-

Key Findings

  • AF is associated with a higher risk of developing COPD (OR = 1.56).
  • COPD is associated with a higher risk of developing AF (OR = 1.72).
  • AF in patients with COPD is linked to increased short-term mortality (OR = 1.76).
  • AF in patients with COPD is linked to increased long-term mortality (OR = 1.27).
  • COPD in patients with AF is linked to increased short-term mortality (OR = 1.54).
  • COPD in patients with AF is linked to increased long-term mortality (OR = 1.68).

Clinical Implications

The findings indicate that clinicians should be aware of the presence of either condition in patients diagnosed with the other.

Conclusion

The bidirectional association between COPD and AF highlights the relationship between these comorbidities.

Related Resources & Content

  1. Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease 2026 Report, 2025 -- Guidelines on COPD and AF
  2. Frontiers | Bidirectional Association between COPD and AF: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis, 2026 -- Study on COPD and AF
  3. European Journal of Preventive Cardiology — Prevalence of asymptomatic atrial fibrillation and risk factors associated with asymptomatic status: a systematic review and meta-analysis
  4. Frontiers in Psychiatry — A Bidirectional Relationship Between Atrial Fibrillation and Depression: Epidemiology, Mechanisms, and Clinical Implications
  5. European Journal of Preventive Cardiology — Periodontitis and atrial fibrillation
  6. Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine — Risk prediction models for postoperative atrial fibrillation in patients with lung cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis
  7. Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease 2026 Report
  8. Frontiers | Bidirectional Association between COPD and AF: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Original Source(s)

Bidirectional association between COPD and AF: a systematic review and meta-analysis

  • by Yunmeng Wang, Chaowei Ding, Yawei Liu, Jingchao Lu

  • June 19, 2026

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