Antidepressant use and the risk of atrial fibrillation and ventricular arrhythmia: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Eur J Clin PharmacolSep 24, 2026 (epub)
Aimen Amirat, Mousa Almasalma, Alaa Ashraf Mohamed et al.
✦ AI-curated · Sources linked
In 30 seconds
This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the relationship between antidepressant use and the risk of atrial fibrillation (AF) and ventricular arrhythmia/sudden cardiac death (VA/SCD) in a population of over 9.6 million participants. The study found that antidepressant use was associated with a significantly increased risk of VA/SCD (OR = 1.34, 95% CI: 1.15-1.55), while the association with AF was uncertain.
Key findings
- Antidepressant use was linked to a 34% increased risk of ventricular arrhythmia/sudden cardiac death (OR = 1.34).
- No overall significant association was found between antidepressant use and atrial fibrillation (OR = 1.75).
- Sensitivity analysis indicated a significant association with AF when excluding one influential study (OR = 1.27).
Why it matters
Understanding the cardiovascular risks associated with antidepressant use is crucial for clinicians, as it may influence treatment decisions, particularly in patients with pre-existing cardiac conditions or those at risk for arrhythmias.