Epidemiology of atrial fibrillation: A current perspective

Lin Y. Chen, Win Kuang Shen

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

106 Scopus citations

Abstract

The prevalence of atrial fibrillation (AF) increases with age. Recent population-based data indicate a trend of increasing incidence and prevalence of AF that is incompletely explained by an aging population. A recent population study estimated that the number of Americans afflicted by AF will increase from the current 2.3 million to more than 10 million by 2050. Novel risk factors-obesity and sleep apnea-may partially account for the current AF epidemic. Ethnic differences in the epidemiology of AF have been suggested but not clearly elucidated by population-based studies. The heritability of AF in the general population is strongly supported by population-based data. Genetic epidemiological studies on AF can potentially yield important mechanistic insights that may ultimately lead to novel preventative and therapeutic strategies.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)S1-S6
JournalHeart rhythm
Volume4
Issue number3 SUPPL.
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 2007

Keywords

  • Atrial fibrillation
  • Genetic epidemiology
  • Incidence
  • Prevalence
  • Risk factors

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Physiology (medical)

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