Childhood maltreatment, genetic risk, and subsequent risk of arrhythmias: a prospective cohort study.

Previous studies indicate that childhood maltreatment is associated with cardiovascular disease risk.Childhood maltreatment was associated with an increased risk of incident arrhythmias, particularly atrial fibrillation and bradyarrhythmia. Genetic predisposition to atrial fibrillation did not significantly modify these associations.Childhood maltreatment could be a new psychological risk factor for cardiac arrhythmias in later life. Inquiries into childhood maltreatment and subsequent referral to psychological services may be helpful.