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Updated: Jul 4, 2025
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Catheter Ablation in Combination With Left Atrial Appendage Closure for Atrial Fibrillation
Published on: February 26, 2013
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The Cost of Atrial Fibrillation: A Systematic Review
Alessandra Buja1, Vincenzo Rebba2, Laura Montecchio1
1Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padua, Italy.
Summary
Atrial fibrillation (AF) treatment costs are high, driven mainly by hospitalizations. Managing comorbidities like stroke and heart failure is key to reducing healthcare expenses and improving patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Health Economics
Background:
- Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a prevalent cardiac arrhythmia with rising incidence due to aging populations.
- AF incurs significant direct and indirect healthcare costs.
Purpose of the Study:
- Identify main cost drivers in AF.
- Assess economic impact of care strategy changes.
- Propose targeted interventions for cost mitigation.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature search of PubMed and Scopus databases.
- Included analytical observational studies on AF cost of illness.
- Followed PRISMA 2020 guidelines.
Main Results:
- 24 studies met inclusion criteria, conducted globally.
- Median annual direct medical cost per patient: €9409 (USD 13,333 PPP).
- Hospitalization is the primary cost driver; comorbidities (stroke, heart failure) significantly increase costs.
Conclusions:
- Inpatient care constitutes the largest portion of direct medical costs for AF.
- Effective management of comorbidities (stroke, heart failure) is crucial.
- Implementing guideline-based comorbidity management can improve health outcomes and reduce healthcare costs.
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