Risk of atrial fibrillation in antidepressant users

Atrial fibrillation is the most common type of arrhythmia in elderly patients, and it is not uncommon for patients with recurrent atrial fibrillation to exhibit depressive symptoms and be treated with antidepressants. Research data suggest a potential role of 5-HT4 receptors in atrial arrhythmias, including chronic atrial fibrillation.1,2 Antidepressant use has been associated with adverse cardiac risk (including ischemic stroke, the most common cardiovascular complication of atrial fibrillation), as well as conduction abnormalities and sudden death.3,4 A recent study examined whether there is an increased risk of chronic atrial fibrillation associated with the use of antidepressant agents in elderly patients.