Association between cardiac conduction block and cardiovascular disease and all-cause mortality: The kailuan study

Abstract

BackgroundAlthough bundle branch block and atrioventricular block are recognized to be association with cardiovascular disease (CVD) and mortality, the relationship between cardiac conduction block (CCB) and both CVD and all-cause mortality has yet to be explored. AimsTo explore the relationship between CCB and CVD and all-cause mortality. Methods and resultsWe included 145,805 subjects (mean age 49.7 years, 81.2% males) from the kailuan study. CCB was diagnosed through a 12‑lead electrocardiograph (ECG). Mortality and CVD events were ascertained through multiple sources, including a municipal social insurance institution, hospital records, death certificates, and regular active follow-ups. After a mean follow-up of 12.5 years, 18,301 cases developed all-cause mortality. After excluding 4443 subjects with CVD presence at baseline, 13,208 cases of CVD occurred among the 141,362 study subjects during follow-up. Compared with non-CCB group, the cumulative incidence of CVD and all-cause mortality for CCB group was 18.38% VS 12.14% and 33.45% VS 14.18%, respectively. The multivariable-adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) with CCB group were 1.25(1.17–1.34) for CVD, and 1.31(1.25–1.38) for all-cause mortality. Additionally, there were generally stronger associations for CCB with all-cause mortality and CVD in younger participants compared with their older counterparts (Ps-interaction <0.001). ConclusionCCB can increase the risk of CVD and all-cause mortality in the general population. Our findings highlight the importance of strategies for preventing CCB to reduce the risk of CVD and mortality.