Airflow obstruction, impaired lung function and risk of sudden cardiac death: a prospective cohort study

BACKGROUND: Growing evidence suggests that compromised lung health may be linked to cardiovascular disease. However, little is known about its association with sudden cardiac death (SCD). OBJECTIVES: We aimed to assess the link between impaired lung function, airflow obstruction and risk of SCD by race and gender in four US communities. METHODS: A total of 14 708 Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study participants who underwent spirometry and were asked about lung health (1987-1989) were followed. The main outcome was physician-adjudicated SCD. Fine-Gray proportional subdistribution hazard models with Firth's penalised partial likelihood correction were used to estimate the HRs. RESULTS: significantly improved the predictive power for SCD. CONCLUSIONS: Impaired lung function and airflow obstruction were associated with increased risk of SCD in general population. Additional research to elucidate the underlying mechanisms is warranted.