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

Abstract

Abstract Objective This research aimed to make statements regarding the reduction in atrial fibrillation (AF) risk due to acupuncture, stratified by CHA2DS2-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 CHA2DS2-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 CHA2DS2-VASc scores of 0–1; aHR 0.53 with 95% CI 0.50–0.57, P < 0.001 in the CHA2DS2-VASc scores of 2–3; aHR 0.56 with 95% CI 0.52–0.61, P < 0.001 in the CHA2DS2-VASc scores of 4–5; and aHR 0.64 with 95% CI 0.55–0.74, P < 0.001 in the CHA2DS2-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.