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The WATCHMAN Left Atrial Appendage Closure Device for Atrial Fibrillation
Published on: February 28, 2012
Optimization Of Stroke Prophylaxis Strategies In Nonvalvular AF -Drugs, Devices Or Both?
Amit Noheria1, Faisal F Syed1, Christopher V DeSimone1
1Division of Cardiovascular Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota.
Insights
Atrial fibrillation (AF), the most common heart rhythm disorder, affects over 2% of adults globally and its incidence rises with age. Lifetime risk for developing AF is significant, particularly for individuals around 40 years old.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the predominant cardiac arrhythmia globally.
- The prevalence of AF is increasing, affecting at least 2% of the adult population worldwide.
- AF incidence and prevalence escalate with advancing age.
Approach:
- This analysis synthesizes epidemiological data on atrial fibrillation prevalence.
- Utilizes Framingham Heart Study data to assess lifetime risk.
- Examines age-specific risks for developing AF.
Key Points:
- Atrial fibrillation affects a substantial portion of the global adult population.
- Age is a significant risk factor for developing AF.
- Lifetime risk assessment indicates a considerable probability of experiencing AF, even from middle age.
Conclusions:
- Atrial fibrillation represents a growing global health concern due to its high prevalence and increasing incidence.
- Understanding age-related risks is crucial for public health strategies targeting AF.
- Early risk assessment may inform preventative measures for atrial fibrillation.
Abstract:
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia with the prevalence increasing over time. AF probably afflicts ≥2% of worldwide adult population and increases with age.[1-3] In the Framingham Heart Study, the lifetime risk of having at least one episode of AF for 40-year-old men and women was 26% and 23% respectively.[4].
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