Atrial Fibrillation: Prevalence and Scope of the Problem

Atrial fibrillation is the single most common sustained cardiac dysrhythmia in the United States, and a major cause of hospitalization, stroke, disability, and death. The rapidly increasing prevalence of atrial fibrillation is largely attributable to the aging of the population. Because atrial fibrillation may be intermittent and asymptomatic or minimally symptomatic at onset, its prevalence is difficult to establish. Implanted loop recorders, pacemakers, and defibrillators have enabled precise assessment of the heart rhythm over long periods of time. The incidence of asymptomatic atrial fibrillation is higher than is perceived by patients, and carries with it an increased risk of stoke.