Global burden of atrial fibrillation in developed and developing nations

Sumeet S Chugh1, Gregory A Roth2, Richard F Gillum3

  • 1Cedars Sinai Heart Institute, Los Angeles, CA, USA.

Global Heart
|November 30, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a growing global health concern, increasing stroke and hospitalization risks. This review examines regional variations in AF burden and data, proposing strategies for worldwide surveillance, management, and prevention.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Epidemiology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most prevalent heart rhythm disorder globally.
  • AF significantly impacts public health due to increased risks of stroke and hospitalizations.
  • Recent studies indicate a progressive worldwide increase in the AF burden.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the global epidemiology of atrial fibrillation.
  • To identify regional variations in AF burden and data availability.
  • To propose a roadmap for AF surveillance, management, and prevention.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review focusing on epidemiological data of atrial fibrillation.
  • Analysis of regional differences between developed and developing areas.
  • Synthesis of current knowledge to propose future strategies.

Main Results:

  • A significant and progressive worldwide increase in the burden of atrial fibrillation is confirmed.
  • Substantial regional variations exist in both AF prevalence and epidemiological data.
  • Distinct challenges are present in developed versus developing regions.

Conclusions:

  • Addressing the global rise of atrial fibrillation requires tailored regional approaches.
  • Improved epidemiological data collection is crucial, especially in developing regions.
  • A coordinated global strategy for AF surveillance, management, and prevention is needed.

Related Concept Videos

ECG Interpretation of Arrhythmias II: Atrial, Junctional and Ventricular Arrhythmias01:25

ECG Interpretation of Arrhythmias II: Atrial, Junctional and Ventricular Arrhythmias

Arrhythmia is a condition characterized by an irregular heart rhythm, with ECG changes that differ based on its origin and nature. The types of arrhythmias discussed below include atrial, junctional, and ventricular arrhythmias.Atrial ArrhythmiasPremature Atrial Complexes (PACs): PACs are early atrial beats caused by stress, caffeine, alcohol, electrolyte imbalances, hypoxia, hyperthyroidism, or certain medications (e.g., bronchodilators and decongestants). The ECG shows early P waves with an...
1.1K
Disturbances in Heart Rhythm01:29

Disturbances in Heart Rhythm

Arrhythmia or dysrhythmia refers to an abnormal heart rhythm caused by a defect in the heart's conduction system. It can cause the heart to beat irregularly, too quickly, or too slowly, leading to symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, and fainting. Factors such as stress, caffeine, alcohol, nicotine, cocaine, certain drugs, congenital defects, diseases, and electrolyte abnormalities can trigger arrhythmias.
Arrhythmias are categorized by their speed, rhythm, and origin. A slow heart...
5.5K
Rheumatic Heart Disease I: Introduction01:23

Rheumatic Heart Disease I: Introduction

Rheumatic heart disease or RHD is a chronic condition that results from rheumatic fever, causing permanent damage to the heart valves.Etiology and Risk FactorsIt primarily arises from rheumatic fever, an inflammatory disease that can develop after untreated or inadequately treated group A streptococcal (GAS) pharyngitis. Streptococcus spreads through direct contact with oral or respiratory secretions. While the bacteria are the causative agents, factors like malnutrition, overcrowding, poor...
999
Dysrhythmias VI: Management of Dysrhythmias01:25

Dysrhythmias VI: Management of Dysrhythmias

Dysrhythmia management involves a multifaceted approach, incorporating pharmacological treatments, medical procedures, surgical interventions, lifestyle modifications, and patient education.Pharmacological ManagementAntiarrhythmic Drugs:Class I (Sodium Channel Blockers): This class includes quinidine and procainamide, which reduce the speed of impulse conduction in the heart, stabilize the cardiac membrane, and control arrhythmias. Quinidine and procainamide are Class IA agents that prolong the...
650
Prevalence and Incidence01:08

Prevalence and Incidence

In statistical epidemiology and health sciences, two essential metrics—prevalence and incidence—are fundamental for understanding disease dynamics within a population. These measures enable public health officials, epidemiologists, and researchers to assess the burden of diseases, allocate resources effectively, and design impactful public health policies and interventions.
Prevalence indicates the proportion of individuals in a population who have a specific disease or health...
2.5K
Acute Coronary Syndrome II: Pathophysiology and Clinical Manifestations01:19

Acute Coronary Syndrome II: Pathophysiology and Clinical Manifestations

The pathophysiology of Acute Coronary Syndrome [ACD] involves several key processes:The main underlying cause of ACD is atherosclerosis, a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by the buildup of lipid-laden plaques within the coronary arteries.As the atherosclerotic plaque grows in the coronary artery, it may become unstable due to the formation of a lipid-rich core and a thin fibrous cap. Inflammatory cells within the plaque, such as macrophages, secrete enzymes that degrade the...
813