Atrial fibrillation, epidemiology and association with stroke

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most commonly seen and clinically important type of arrhythmia. The clinical importance of this arrhythmia is principally due to the development of embolic events, congestive heart failure and increased morbidity and mortality. Its prevalence is about 1.5% and increases to approximately 10% with advanced age. An increase in its prevalence is anticipated in the near future probably due to an increase in elderly population rate. The main etiological factors in the development of AF are coronary heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, valvular diseases and also inflammation, obesity and obstructive sleep apnea. The presence of AF increases the likelihood of stroke development four to five times. Stroke patients with AF have a worse prognosis and the cost is also higher compared to non-fibrillation patients. All these scientific evidence point out the importance of anticoagulant therapy which still does not seem to be implemented sufficiently in AF.