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Catheter Ablation in Combination With Left Atrial Appendage Closure for Atrial Fibrillation
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Published on: February 26, 2013

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Atrial fibrillation: the current epidemic

Carlos A Morillo1,2, Amitava Banerjee3, Pablo Perel4,5

  • 1Department of Cardiac Sciences, Division of Cardiology, Libin Cardiovascular Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.

Journal of Geriatric Cardiology : JGC
|June 9, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a growing global health concern, increasing stroke risk. This review examines the worldwide burden of AF and strategies for its detection and management.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most prevalent clinical arrhythmia.
  • Untreated AF significantly elevates risks of stroke, systemic embolism, morbidity, and mortality.
  • Population aging is projected to cause an epidemic of AF in coming decades.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the global health burden of atrial fibrillation (AF).
  • To examine worldwide strategies for improving AF detection, prevention, and risk stratification.
  • To align with recent World Heart Federation recommendations.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of observational cohort studies.
  • Analysis of global health trends and resource allocation for AF.
  • Synthesis of recent recommendations for AF management.

Main Results:

  • AF is increasing globally, particularly with aging populations.
  • Significant health resources are dedicated to AF detection and management.
  • Established strategies exist for AF risk stratification and prevention.

Conclusions:

  • AF represents a substantial and growing worldwide health challenge.
  • Global strategies are crucial for effective AF detection, prevention, and risk management.
  • Implementing recommended strategies can mitigate the impact of AF.

Keywords:
AgingAnticoagulationAtrial fibrillationHeart failureHypertensionStroke

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