Cardiac Myosin Inhibitors and Incident Atrial Fibrillation in Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

INTRODUCTION

Cardiac myosin inhibitors (CMIs) improve hemodynamics and symptoms in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), but recent real-world data have raised concerns regarding an increased risk of atrial fibrillation (AF). We sought to reassess AF risk using randomized controlled trial (RCT) evidence and to contextualize discrepancies with observational reports.

METHODS AND

RESULTS

We performed a systematic review and random-effects meta-analysis of RCTs evaluating the effect of CMIs on incident AF in HCM. MEDLINE, Scopus, and CENTRAL were searched through November 25, 2025. Eight RCTs (n = 1581) comparing mavacamten or aficamten with placebo or active control were included. Event counts were pooled as risk ratios (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). CMIs were not associated with increased AF risk (RR 1.11, 95% CI 0.62-1.98; heterogeneity I2 = 0%). No differences were observed between mavacamten and aficamten, with consistent findings across HCM subtypes (obstructive and non-obstructive). Importantly, most trials (7/8) excluded patients with uncontrolled, persistent, or permanent AF, five excluded paroxysmal AF at screening, and one excluded any AF history. Baseline left atrial enlargement was generally in the mild to moderate range across trials, suggesting limited representation of high-risk AF phenotypes.

CONCLUSION

Randomized evidence to date does not demonstrate an increased AF risk with CMIs. Differences between RCT populations and real-world cohorts, including restrictive AF eligibility criteria, lower baseline atrial remodeling, and limited rhythm surveillance may explain discordant observational findings and highlight the need for longitudinal monitoring in clinical practice.