What implications does CKD have on the trajectory of AF, risk of stroke, and bleeding risk of anticoagulation?
CKD has significant implications on the trajectory of AF, risk of stroke, and bleeding risk of anticoagulation. The presence of CKD or AF bi-directionally affects the incident risk of the other. Among patients with CKD, the prevalence of AF is substantially higher than in the general population, ranging from 16% to 21% in nondialysis dependent CKD and 15% to 40% in patients on dialysis. Among patients with AF, CKD is present in one-third of patients at the time of AF diagnosis. The presence of CKD increases the risk of stroke, bleeding, and mortality associated with AF, and conversely, AF increases the risk of progression of CKD, cardiovascular disease, and mortality. Therefore, it is important to identify and manage both conditions in patients with AF and CKD.