What does the Polygenic Atrial Fibrillation Risk Score test measure?

Why is Polygenic Atrial Fibrillation Risk Score measured?

A polygenic risk score stratifies baseline genetic susceptibility and may identify individuals who would benefit from earlier or more intensive risk-factor modification, particularly when combined with clinical scores such as CHARGE-AF or CHA₂DS₂-VASc. It does not predict imminent AF onset, is not diagnostic, and must be integrated with clinical risk factors, imaging, and longitudinal monitoring.

Reference ranges

Standard reference

Reported as population percentile (0–100th) and fold-risk relative to median; derived from assayed SNPs weighted by effect size.

Functional medicine optimal

N/A — risk is relative; individuals in the upper quintile (>80th percentile) have approximately 2–3× the AF risk of those in the lower quintile, though absolute risk still depends on clinical context.

Units

percentile, relative risk

Reference ranges vary by laboratory and assay platform. Interpret in context of the issuing laboratory's stated range.