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Published on: February 26, 2013
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.
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.
Abstract:
Atrial fibrillation is the most common heart rhythm disorder in the world, with major public health impact especially due to increased risk of stroke and hospitalizations. The recently published results on epidemiology of atrial fibrillation from the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study confirm the existence of a significant and progressive worldwide increase in the burden of atrial fibrillation. However, there appears to be regional variation in both the burden of atrial fibrillation and availability of epidemiological data regarding this condition. In this review, the authors identify issues that are unique to the developed versus developing regions and outline a road map for possible approaches to surveillance, management, and prevention of atrial fibrillation at the global level.
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