Epilepsy and long-term risk of arrhythmias

Previous evidence has mainly supported transient changes in cardiac function during interictal or peri-ictal phases in people with epilepsy, but the long-term risk of cardiac arrhythmias is poorly described. This study aimed to assess the long-term association of epilepsy with cardiac arrhythmias, considering the potential role of genetic predisposition and antiseizure medications (ASMs) in any associations observed.

This population-based study evaluated UK Biobank data for individuals recruited between 2006 and 2010. Cox proportional hazards models and competing risk models were used to examine the association of epilepsy history with the long-term incidence risk of cardiac arrhythmias and arrhythmias subtypes. Polygenic risk scores (PRS) were calculated to investigate the effect of genetic susceptibility. The role of ASMs was also evaluated by integrating observational and drug target Mendelian randomization (MR) evidence.

The study included 329 432 individuals, including 2699 people with epilepsy. Compared with those without epilepsy, people with epilepsy experienced an increased risk of all cardiac arrhythmias [hazard ratio (HR) 1.36, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.21–1.53], atrial fibrillation (HR 1.26, 95% CI 1.08–1.46), and other cardiac arrhythmias (HR 1.56, 95% CI 1.34–1.81). The associations were not modified by genetic predisposition as indicated by PRS. Competing and sensitivity analyses corroborated these results. Individuals with epilepsy using ASMs, especially carbamazepine and valproic acid, were at a higher risk for cardiac arrhythmias. This observation was further supported by drug target MR results (P_SMR < .05 and P_HEIDI > .05).

This study revealed the higher risk of cardiac arrhythmias persists long term in people with epilepsy, especially among those using carbamazepine and valproic acid. These findings highlight the need for regular heart rhythm monitoring and management in people with epilepsy in order to reduce the risk of further cardiovascular complications.