A new study published in the journal Circulation: Arrhythmia and Electrophysiology has warned about the increasing prevalence of atrial fibrillation (A-Fib) among middle-aged individuals. Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) found that more than a quarter of A-Fib patients treated at the center in the past decade were under the age of 65, which is significantly higher than the commonly estimated 2% prevalence of A-Fib among non-seniors.
The study, which analyzed electronic health records of over 67,000 UPMC patients with A-Fib between 2010 and 2019, revealed that younger patients with the condition faced a higher risk of mortality or hospitalization for heart failure, stroke, or heart attack. A-Fib, a dangerous heart rhythm disorder, is known to increase the risk of heart failure and stroke.
Furthermore, the study found that survival rates for male A-Fib patients were 30% to 50% worse than those without the condition, with even more alarming rates for women. Female patients with A-Fib had survival rates 80% to more than three times worse than those without the condition. Patients with A-Fib also displayed high rates of heart disease risk factors such as smoking, obesity, high blood pressure, and sleep apnea.
The findings underscore the importance of further investigation and the development of optimal therapies for individuals with A-Fib. As the prevalence of A-Fib continues to rise among middle-aged individuals, it is crucial for healthcare providers to address the growing burden of this condition and implement appropriate strategies for prevention and management.
