Atrial Fibrillation:

Atrial fibrillation is the culprit causal mechanism of twenty percent of acute ischemic strokes.As the population of Delaware ages, atrial fibrillation is a growing cause of stroke.Thus, the detection of atrial fibrillation and treatment of this cardioembolic risk factor of stroke is paramount. Atrial Fibrillation DefinitionsAtrial fibrillation (AF) is a type of cardiac arrhythmia characterized by irregular and often rapid electrical activity in the atria.During AF, the atria quiver instead of contracting normally, which can lead to an irregular heart rate and inefficient blood flow.AF can be classified into four types, by duration and if it is recurrent or sustained 1 :1. Paroxysmal AF: AF that comes and goes on its own, typically lasting less than 7 days.2. Persistent AF: AF that continues for longer than 7 days, or requires medical intervention to terminate.3. Long-standing persistent AF: AF that lasts for more than 12 months.4. Permanent AF: AF that is present and accepted as a permanent condition, and efforts to restore normal rhythm have been discontinued. 2AF can occur in individuals with underlying heart disease, such as hypertension, coronary artery disease, or heart failure, or it can occur in individuals without any known underlying heart disease.AF can be asymptomatic or may cause symptoms such as palpitations, shortness of breath, chest discomfort, and fatigue. 3Atrial Fibrillation Epidemiology Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia in the United States, affecting approximately 2.7 million Americans.The prevalence of AF increases with age, with 5% of individuals over the age of 65 and 10% of those over the age of 80 having this condition. 4The incidence of AF is also increasing, with an estimated 160,000 new cases diagnosed each year.This increase is likely due to the aging population and the increasing prevalence of risk factors such as hypertension, obesity, and diabetes. 5AF is more common in men than women, and in individuals of European descent compared to other racial and ethnic groups.However, it is important to note that AF can occur in anyone, regardless of age, gender, or ethnicity. 6Doi: 10.32481/djph.2023.08.004AF is associated with an increased risk of stroke, heart failure, and mortality.The burden of AF on the healthcare system is significant, with estimated costs of over $26 billion annually in United States. 1 AF contributes to more than 20% of acute ischemic strokes. 7