Three times as many people have atrial fibrillation than previously known
In the journals
- Reviewed by Howard E. LeWine, MD, Chief Medical Editor, Harvard Health Publishing; Editorial Advisory Board Member, Harvard Health Publishing
The rapid, irregular heart rhythm known as atrial fibrillation (afib) is three times more prevalent than previously thought, according to research published Sept. 11, 2024, in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology. Afib can lead to stroke and increase the risks of heart failure, heart attack, chronic kidney disease, and dementia.
Investigators from the University of California, San Francisco, reviewed the medical records of nearly 30 million California patients over a 15-year period and found that approximately 2 million (about 6.4% of the state's adult population) were diagnosed with afib. People with afib were more likely to be men and to have high blood pressure or diabetes. Using the data as a model, the researchers estimated the current national prevalence of afib to be at least 10.5 million. Previous projections estimated that 3.3 million adults had afib.
According to the researchers, the findings underline the importance of addressing lifestyle factors that increase the risk for afib, such as being overweight, being sedentary, smoking, and consuming too much alcohol.
Image: © Rattankun Thongbun /Getty Images
About the Author
Matthew Solan, Executive Editor, Harvard Men's Health Watch
About the Reviewer
Howard E. LeWine, MD, Chief Medical Editor, Harvard Health Publishing; Editorial Advisory Board Member, Harvard Health Publishing
Disclaimer:
As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles.
No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.
