The Anonymous Widower

Is There A Connection Between Uncomplicated Pancolonic Diverticular Disease And Atrial Fibrilation?

I asked Google AI the question in the title of this post and received this answer.

Yes, there appears to be a potential connection, with some studies suggesting an association between diverticular disease and a higher risk of cardiovascular issues, though the link is not definitively established for uncomplicated pancolonic diverticular disease and atrial fibrillation specifically. Research indicates chronic inflammation in diverticular disease could be a contributing factor, increasing the risk for both cardiovascular disease and potentially atrial fibrillation. A case report noted a higher than expected incidence of vagal atrial fibrillation in patients with diverticular disease, but this association needs more robust study to confirm and understand its clinical implications

Is it relevant that I have both conditions?

Google AI cites this paper on National Institutes Of Heath, which is entitled Association of Diverticular Disease Of The Colon And Vagal Atrial Fibrillation.

I asked Google AI “What is Vagal Atrial Fibrillation?” and received this reply.

Vagal atrial fibrillation (AF) is a form of atrial fibrillation triggered by an overactive vagal nerve, which is part of the parasympathetic nervous system. It typically occurs at rest or during sleep and is associated with high physical activity, such as in athletes, and can be sparked by factors like large meals or alcohol consumption. Diagnosis relies on electrocardiogram (ECG) findings showing vagotonia and clinical context. Treatments include lifestyle changes, medications with anticholinergic properties, and catheter ablation to target the ganglionated plexi responsible for the arrhythmia.

I am not one for high physical activity, large meals and I don’t consume much alcohol.

The original paper cites this second paper on National Institues of Health, which is entitled Diverticular Disease Of The Colon And Gallstones In New Zealand And England.

This is the abstract of that paper.

The clinical presentation and subsequent treatment of 160 consecutive patients with proven diverticular disease of the colon from the Auckland Hospital, New Zealand were compared with 182 consecutive patients admitted to St. Bartholomew’s Hospital, London. There were significant differences in sex incidence, in the ages of the male patients at presentation, patient symptoms, extent of disease and methods of surgical treatment. These probably reflect differences in the types of National Health Services of the two countries, rather than differences in the natural history of diverticular disease of the colon. Overall, the 342 patients studied show a very good correlation with other large series published over the last 10 years. This study confirms the previously reported association between diverticular disease of the colon and gallstones. It confirms that gallstones are more common in female patients with or without diverticular disease. It suggests that Auckland patients with gallstones are more likely to have had a cholecystectomy than London patients. The possible role of dietary fiber in the aetiology of both gallstones and diverticular disease of the colon is discussed.

Note.

1. I have had gallstones removed by endoscopy.
2. They were removed in Homerton Hospital, which is linked to St. Bartholomew’s Hospital.
3. I wrote about their removal in Goodbye To My Gallstones.

I was certainly male last time I looked, although I can’t father any children, as I’ve had a vasectomy.

September 26, 2025 - Posted by AnonW | Health | Atrial Fibrillation, Barts Hospital, Diverticular Disease, Gallstones, Research