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Racial Differences in Atrial Fibrillation-Related Cardiovascular Disease and Mortality: The Atherosclerosis Risk in

Jared W Magnani1, Faye L Norby2, Sunil K Agarwal3

  • 1Cardiology Section, Whitaker Cardiovascular Institute, Evans Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts2currently with the Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Hea.

JAMA Cardiology
|July 21, 2016
PubMed

Insights

Black individuals with atrial fibrillation (AF) face significantly higher risks of stroke, heart failure, coronary heart disease, and mortality compared to white individuals. These findings highlight critical racial disparities in AF outcomes that require further investigation and intervention.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Epidemiology
  • Health Disparities

Background:

  • Adverse outcomes of atrial fibrillation (AF) are primarily studied in white populations.
  • Racial disparities in AF-related health outcomes warrant thorough investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess race-specific associations between AF and major adverse outcomes.
  • Evaluate the impact of AF on stroke, heart failure, coronary heart disease (CHD), and mortality across different racial groups.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized data from the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study, a prospective observational cohort.
  • Included 15,080 participants (white, black, other races) with adjudication of AF, stroke, heart failure, CHD, and mortality over a mean follow-up of 20.6 years.

Main Results:

  • Incident AF rates were 8.1 per 1000 person-years in white individuals and 5.8 in black individuals.
  • Black individuals with AF experienced higher rates of stroke, heart failure, CHD, and mortality compared to white individuals with AF.
  • Rate differences for stroke, heart failure, CHD, and mortality were substantially greater in black individuals with AF.

Conclusions:

  • The impact of AF on stroke, heart failure, CHD, and mortality is significantly larger in black individuals than in white individuals.
  • Black individuals with AF exhibit heightened vulnerability and increased risk for adverse outcomes.
  • Further research into racial differences in AF is crucial for addressing and mitigating disparities in AF care.
Abstract

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