Epidemiology

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most frequent arrhythmia and global incidence and prevalence are increasing.[6][7][8]​ In 2017, the global prevalence was estimated at 0.51%, an increase of over 30% in 20 years; similarly the global incidence had also increased by over 30%.[9]

The prevalence of AF increases with age, from 0.5% at 40 to 50 years to 5% to 15% at 80 years. Men are more often affected than women.[10] The Rotterdam study found that the lifetime risk of developing AF at 55 years old was 24% in men and 22% in women.[11] In the Framingham and Rotterdam studies, after adjustment for age and other risk factors, AF occurrence was greater in men than in women but occurrence was similar in other analyses.[11][12][13]​​ The Screening for Atrial Fibrillation in the Elderly (SAFE) project reported that the baseline prevalence of AF in participants aged over 65 years was 7.2%, with a higher prevalence in men (7.8%) and people aged 75 years or older, with an incidence of 0.69% to 1.64% per year, depending on screening method.[14] These incidence data refer to cross-sectional study data whereby most people would have AF lasting >7 days (persistent, paroxysmal, or permanent AF) rather than acute AF. In the UK, the prevalence of AF is 0.5% to 1.0% and incidence is 0.54 cases per 1000 person-years.[15][16]​​ The prevalence and incidence of AF in non-white populations is less well studied. The Global Burden of Disease Study 2017 found that the rates of prevalence, incidence, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) decreased from 1990 to 2017, but the absolute number of patients with AF, the annual number of new cases, and DALYs increased.[17]​ In the US, the prevalence of AF is estimated to increase from approximately 5.2 million in 2010 to 12.1 million in 2030.[18]

Use of this content is subject to our disclaimer