Nation-wide GWAS meta-analysis reveals new genetic locus for early-onset atrial fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common cardiac arrhythmia affecting more than 40 million individuals worldwide. More than 100 genetic loci have been associated with AF in genome-wide association studies (GWAS) based on pooled, heterogeneous populations. However, less is known about population-specific genetic causes of AF and the molecular background of early-onset AF. In this study we aimed to identify population-specific genetic loci associated with AF in a meta-analysis of GWAS from 4 regional and 1 national population-based health-survey in Norway, and to explore the genetic contribution to early-onset AF.