Prevalence and risk of atrial fibrillation in China: A national cross-sectional epidemiological study

Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common persistent cardiac arrhythmia. This study aimed to estimate its prevalence and explore associated factors in adults aged 18 years or older in China. Methods: Study data were derived from a national sample from July 2020 to September 2021. Participants were recruited using a multistage stratified sampling method from twenty-two provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities in China. AF was determined based on a history of diagnosed AF or electrocardiogram results. Findings: = 0·013). Interpretation: The prevalence of AF was 1.6% in the Chinese adult population and increased with age, with significant geographic variation. Older age, male sex, and cardiovascular disease were potent factors associated with AF. It is crucial to increase the awareness of AF and disseminate standardized treatment in clinical settings to reduce the disease burden. Funding: This research was supported the Nature Science Foundation of Hubei province (No: 2017CFB204).