An evaluation of the effect of the Danish iodine fortification program on atrial fibrillation

Through this project we will generate new knowledge about how iodine fortification affects incident atrial fibrillation in the population. Iodine fortification is applied in over 120 countries worldwide and affects millions of people. It is therefore crucial to know the full extend of the effects of the fortification. Knowledge generated in this project can be essential to the decision to implement or increase iodine fortification. If we find that the peak in hyperthyroidism after iodine fortification causes a peak in incident atrial fibrillation, identification of groups at special risk and can help direct the attention to these groups during iodine fortification. Furthermore, if the fall in hyperthyroidism after the peak causes a fall in incident atrial fibrillation, this supports the implementation of iodine fortification. Lastly, we will estimate the dose-response relationship between iodine fortification, hyperthyroidism and atrial fibrillation by comparing the effects in initiation and increase in iodine fortification and thereby provide knowledge applicable for different settings.