Epidemiology of arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death in Asia

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Epidemiology
• Genetics

Background:

• Cardiac arrhythmias are prevalent heart rhythm disorders with significant public health implications.
• They are linked to increased cardiovascular complications, sudden death, reduced quality of life, and high healthcare costs.
• Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained arrhythmia, with rising prevalence due to societal aging.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the epidemiology and public health impact of cardiac arrhythmias.
• To discuss the association of arrhythmias with cardiovascular complications and sudden cardiac death (SCD).
• To highlight advancements in understanding and managing arrhythmic diseases.

Main Methods:

• Review of epidemiological data on cardiac arrhythmias, including atrial fibrillation and sudden cardiac death in Asia.
• Discussion of the role of channelopathies in SCD.
• Examination of the established role of implantable cardioverter-defibrillators in secondary prevention.

Main Results:

• Cardiac arrhythmias significantly increase risks of cardiovascular complications and sudden death.
• While AF prevalence is lower in Asians, its impact on stroke and mortality is comparable to Western populations.
• Channelopathies account for an estimated 10% of SCD cases, and implantable cardioverter-defibrillators are increasingly used for secondary prevention.

Conclusions:

• Cardiac arrhythmias represent a substantial epidemiological and public health challenge.
• Ongoing research in epidemiology, clinical studies, and genetics is crucial for improving the diagnosis and prognosis of arrhythmic diseases.
• Advances in understanding and treatment, such as implantable cardioverter-defibrillators, are improving outcomes for patients with SCD.