The projected 2.5-fold increase in atrial fibrillation prevalence over the next 50 years highlights a growing public health challenge for stroke prevention and rhythm management.
Our study confirms that atrial fibrillation is common among older adults and provides a contemporary basis for estimates of prevalence in the United States. The number of patients with atrial fibrillation is likely to increase 2.5-fold during the next 50 years, reflecting the growing proportion of elderly individuals. Coordinated efforts are needed to face the increasing challenge of optimal stroke prevention and rhythm management in patients with atrial fibrillation.
Go et al. (Wed,) studied this question.