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Prevalence of atrial fibrillation : The Swiss population-based CoLaus|PsyCoLaus study

Daryoush Samim1, Damien Choffat2, Peter Vollenweider1

  • 1Division of Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Lausanne University Hospital, Rue du Bugnon 46, 1011, Lausanne, Switzerland.

Herz
|December 13, 2021
PubMed

Insights

The prevalence of atrial fibrillation (AF) in Lausanne, Switzerland, was low between 2014-2017 but increased with age and was higher in men. This study investigated AF determinants in a Swiss population.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Epidemiology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a prevalent global arrhythmia linked to increased mortality.
  • Understanding AF prevalence trends is crucial, yet data from the past decade, especially in Switzerland, is limited.
  • This study addresses the need for current AF prevalence data and determinant analysis in Switzerland.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the point prevalence of atrial fibrillation (AF) in Lausanne, Switzerland, from 2014 to 2017.
  • To identify key determinants associated with AF in this population.
  • To contribute to the understanding of AF epidemiology in a Western European context.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional analysis of 4616 Caucasian participants (aged 45-86 years) from a population-based sample in Lausanne, Switzerland.
  • Electrocardiography (ECG) was used to assess atrial fibrillation (AF) between 2014 and 2017.
  • Statistical analysis investigated the point prevalence and determinants of AF, including age and gender.

Main Results:

  • The point prevalence of AF was 0.9% (95% CI: 0.7-1.2%), with AF + atrial flutter (AFL) at 1.1% (95% CI: 8.4-1.5%).
  • AF prevalence was significantly higher in men (81% vs. 19% in women) and increased with age, reaching 3.1% in individuals aged 80 and above.
  • Multivariable analysis identified male gender (OR: 4.98) and increasing age (OR: 2.86 per decade) as significant determinants of AF.

Conclusions:

  • The point prevalence of AF and AF+AFL in Lausanne (2014-2017) was found to be low.
  • Prevalence of AF significantly increased with advancing age and was notably higher among men.
  • The findings highlight age and male gender as key factors influencing AF occurrence in this Swiss population.
Abstract

Keywords:
Atrial fibrillationElectrocardiogramEpidemiologyPrevalenceSwitzerland

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