What is the actual prevalence of atrial fibrillation (AF) on a local, national, and global scale? While this question may seem straightforward, the answer is not. An estimated 33% of people living with atrial fibrillation are asymptomatic. For many of these individuals, the first sign that they might have AF is when they are hospitalized for ischemic stroke or systemic embolism. This makes the condition much more difficult to diagnose—but early diagnosis and identification is crucial in improving outcomes.
Regina Schaffer, in her Healio article, writes that a research team sought to understand the true prevalence of undiagnosed atrial fibrillation in the United States. In a retrospective study published in Clinical Cardiology, the researchers sourced patient data from five medical claims data sets over a 5-year period. They divided patients into different groups. For example, people with documented atrial fibrillation were placed into the “diagnosed” group, while those diagnosed after a stroke or embolism were placed into the “undiagnosed” group.
Ultimately, the researchers hypothesized that the prevalence of undiagnosed atrial fibrillation was around 11% but could be as high as 23%. Additionally, the data suggests that older individuals, those with comorbidities, and females were more likely to be undiagnosed than those of other demographic groups. As cases of atrial fibrillation continue to grow, finding ways to identify these patients—and provide them with appropriate treatments such as anticoagulants—will help change the overall landscape and reduce inequities.
Atrial Fibrillation (AF): An Overview
High blood pressure, coronary artery disease, congenital heart defects, viral infections, and lung diseases are just a few of the many potential causes of atrial fibrillation (AF). Atrial fibrillation refers to an abnormal, irregular, and often rapid heart rate that may increase the risk of heart failure, heart complications, or stroke. It occurs when the two upper chambers of the heart experience chaotic electrical signals, most commonly due to heart damage. Atrial fibrillation may be occasional/paroxysmal, persistent, long-standing persistent, or permanent. People living with AF may experience chest pain, heart palpitations, exercise intolerance, fatigue, dizziness or lightheadedness, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, or confusion.
Treatment varies based on symptom severity, the underlying cause of the AF, and how long someone has been living with this condition. Outside of anticoagulants, listed above, doctors may treat AF with cardioversion, catheter ablation, surgery, or other medications.
