Worldwide Epidemiology of Atrial Fibrillation: A Global Burden of Disease 2010 Study

Background—The global burden of atrial fibrillation (AF) is unknown.

Methods and Results—We systematically reviewed population-based studies of AF published 1980-2010, from the 21 Global Burden of Disease (GBD) regions to estimate global/regional prevalence, incidence, as well as morbidity and mortality related to AF (DisModMR software). Of 377 potential studies identified, 184 met pre-specified eligibility criteria. The estimated number of individuals with AF globally in 2010 was 33?5 million [(20?9 million males (UI, 19?5-22?2 million) and 12?6 million females (UI, 12?0-13?7 million)]. Burden associated with AF, measured as disability adjusted life-years (DALYs), increased by 18?8% (UI, 15?8-19?3) in males and 18?9% (UI, 15?8-23?5) in females, from 1990 to 2010. In 1990, the estimated age-adjusted prevalence rates of AF (per 100,000 population) were 569?5 in males [95% uncertainty interval (UI), 532?8-612?7] and 359?9 in females (UI, 334?7-392?6); the estimated age-adjusted incidence rates were 60?7/100,000 person-years in males (UI, 49?2-78?5) and 43?8 in females (UI, 35?9-55?0). In 2010 the prevalence rate increased to 596?2 (UI, 558?4-636?7) in males and 373?1 (UI, 347?9-402?2) in females; incidence rate increased to 77?5 (UI, 65?2-95?4) in males and 59?5 (UI, 49?9-74?9) in females. Mortality associated with AF was higher in females, and increased by 2-fold (UI, 2?0-2?2) and 1?9-fold (UI, 1?8-2?0) in males and females, respectively, from 1990 to 2010.

Conclusions—These findings provide evidence of progressive increases in overall burden, incidence, prevalence and AF-associated mortality between 1990-2010. Systematic, global surveillance of AF is required to better direct prevention and treatment strategies.

Source: circ.ahajournals.org