Genetically Predicted Insomnia in Relation to 14 Cardiovascular Conditions and 17 Cardiometabolic Risk Factors: A Mendelian Randomization Study

Abstract

Background

This Mendelian randomization study aims to investigate causal associations between genetically predicted insomnia and 14 cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) as well as the potential mediator role of 17 cardiometabolic risk factors.

Methods and Results

Using genetic association estimates from large genome‐wide association studies and UK Biobank, we performed a 2‐sample Mendelian randomization analysis to estimate the associations of insomnia with 14 CVD conditions in the primary analysis. Then mediation analysis was conducted to explore the potential mediator role of 17 cardiometabolic risk factors using a network Mendelian randomization design. After correcting for multiple testing, genetically predicted insomnia was consistent significantly positively associated with 9 of 14 CVDs, those odds ratios ranged from 1.13 (95% CI, 1.08–1.18) for atrial fibrillation to 1.24 (95% CI, 1.16–1.32) for heart failure. Moreover, genetically predicted insomnia was consistently associated with higher body mass index, triglycerides, and lower high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, each of which may act as a mediator in the causal pathway from insomnia to several CVD outcomes. Additionally, we found very little evidence to support a causal link between insomnia with abdominal aortic aneurysm, thoracic aortic aneurysm, total cholesterol, low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, glycemic traits, renal function, and heart rate increase during exercise. Finally, we found no evidence of causal associations of genetically predicted body mass index, high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, or triglycerides on insomnia.

Conclusions

This study provides evidence that insomnia is associated with 9 of 14 CVD outcomes, some of which may be partially mediated by 1 or more of higher body mass index, triglycerides, and lower high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol.