Association of warfarin with congestive heart failure and peripheral artery occlusive disease in hemodialysis patients with atrial fibrillation

Abstract Background The effect of warfarin on the risk of cardiovascular (CV) disease is unknown among chronic hemodialysis patients with atrial fibrillation (HD-AF). Methods Population-based propensity score and prescription time-distribution matched cohort study including 6719 HD-AF patients with CHA2 DS2 -VASc score ≥ 2 were divided into warfarin users and nonusers and followed-up for CV events and death. Results Warfarin treatment in HD-AF patients with AF preceding HD was associated with higher risks of developing congestive heart failure [hazard ratio (HR) = 1.82, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.29–2.58, p < 0.01], peripheral artery occlusive disease (HR = 3.42, 95% CI = 1.86–6.31, p < 0.01), and aortic valve stenosis (HR = 3.20, 95% CI = 1.02–9.98, p < 0.05). Warfarin users were not associated with risks of ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke and all-cause mortality as compared to nonusers. Conclusion Warfarin may be associated with vascular calcification, increasing the risks of congestive heart failure and peripheral artery occlusive disease among HD-AF patients.