Atrial fibrillation is three times more common in the US than previously thought according to a new study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology. The heart condition affects an estimated 10.5 million American adults, say the scientists behind the research.
Atrial fibrillation, or A-Fib, refers to an irregular heartbeat. It’s sometimes experienced by people as their heart beating very quickly. A-Fib can lead to stroke, heart failure, heart attack, kidney disease or dementia.
A-Fib can double the risk of dying through heart-related complications compared to those without it. However, it is treatable and in most cases isn't a life-threatening diagnosis.
Currently, the exact cause of the condition is unknown but it becomes more common with age. It is also more commonly found in certain groups, such as those with high blood pressure, congenital heart disease or cardiomyopathy.
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Scientists from the University of California studied the medical records of 30 million adult patients receiving care in California between 2005 and 2019 to reach their conclusion. Of those 30 million people, they found that 2 million had A-Fib.
The study also found that rates of A-Fib had increased in recent years. So, while only 4.49 per cent of adults had A-Fib in the period 2005–2009, that figure rose to 6.82 in 2015–2019.
Dr Hugh Calkins, a professor of cardiology who was not involved in the study, told BBC Science Focus that the research “reveals that [A-Fib] is far more common than prior estimates. This likely reflects increases in obesity, hypertension and diabetes among the general population.”
What are the signs of A-Fib?
It’s possible to lead a normal, healthy life with A-Fib, but the condition can be uncomfortable and may require medical treatment. So what signs should you look out for to tell if you have it?
“Many patients notice very irregular and often rapid palpitations (thumping of the heart in the chest), perhaps associated with chest pain, breathlessness or anxiety,” says Prof John Camm, a professor of clinical cardiology who was not involved in the study. “But others have no symptoms,” which obviously makes spotting it without the help of trained medics difficult.
For individuals with A-Fib symptoms, the condition can be diagnosed by an irregular pulse or with an electrocardiogram (ECG). In fact, a smart watch might be of some help as some are specifically designed to monitor for A-Fib. Technological developments, such as these, mean that our ability to detect and therefore treat A-Fib are improving.
About our experts
Dr Hugh Calkins is the Catherine Ellen Poindexter Professor of Cardiology and the Director of the Electrophysiology Laboratory and Arrhythmia Service at the Johns Hopkins Hospital, in Maryland, USA. Dr Calkins has published work in numerous peer reviewed academic journals including Circulation, Journal of the American College of Cardiology and the New England Journal of Medicine.
Prof John Camm is a Professor of Clinical Cardiology at St George’s University Hospitals, in London. Prof Camm has published widely in many academic journals including Open Heart, European Heart Journal and Journal of Clinical Medicine.
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