1
|
Ayinde H, Markson F, Ogbenna UK, Jackson L. Addressing racial differences in the management of atrial fibrillation: Focus on black patients. J Natl Med Assoc 2023:S0027-9684(23)00142-6. [PMID: 38114334 DOI: 10.1016/j.jnma.2023.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained arrhythmia, affecting between 3 and 6 million people in the United States. It is associated with a reduced quality of life and increased risk of stroke, cognitive decline, heart failure and death. Black patients have a lower prevalence of AF than White patients but are more likely to suffer worse outcomes with the disease. It is important that stakeholders understand the disproportionate burden of disease and management gaps that exists among Black patients living with AF. Appropriate treatments, including aggressive risk factor control, early referral to cardiovascular specialists and improving healthcare access may bridge some of the gaps in management and improve outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hakeem Ayinde
- Cardiology Associates of Fredericksburg, Fredericksburg, VA, USA.
| | - Favour Markson
- Department of Medicine, Lincoln Medical Center, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Ugonna Kevin Ogbenna
- Department of Medicine, Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Larry Jackson
- Duke Clinical Research Institute, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Zawawi NA, Abdul Halim Zaki I, Ming LC, Goh HP, Zulkifly HH. Anticoagulation Control in Different Ethnic Groups Receiving Vitamin K Antagonist for Stroke Prevention in Atrial Fibrillation. Front Cardiovasc Med 2021; 8:736143. [PMID: 34869639 PMCID: PMC8635010 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2021.736143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Vitamin K antagonist such as warfarin reduces the risk of stroke in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients. Since warfarin has a narrow therapeutic index, its administration needs to be regularly monitored to avoid any adverse clinical outcomes such as stroke and bleeding. The quality of anticoagulation control with warfarin therapy can be measured by using time in therapeutic range (TTR). This review focuses on the prevalence of AF, quality of anticoagulation control (TTR) and adverse clinical outcome in AF patients within different ethnic groups receiving warfarin therapy for stroke prevention. A literature search was conducted in Embase and PubMed using keywords of “prevalence,” “atrial fibrillation,” “stroke prevention,” “oral anticoagulants,” “warfarin,” “ethnicities,” “race” “time in therapeutic range,” “adverse clinical outcome,” “stroke, bleeding.” Articles published by 1st February 2020 were included. Forty-one studies were included in the final review consisting of AF prevalence (n = 14 studies), time in therapeutic range (n = 18 studies), adverse clinical outcome (n = 9 studies) within different ethnic groups. Findings indicate that higher prevalence of AF but better anticoagulation control among the Whites as compared to other ethnicities. Of note, non-whites had higher risk of strokes and bleeding outcomes while on warfarin therapy. Addressing disparities in prevention and healthcare resource allocation could potentially improve AF-related outcomes in minorities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nur Azyyati Zawawi
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Fakulti Farmasi, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Bandar Puncak Alam, Malaysia
| | - Izzati Abdul Halim Zaki
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Fakulti Farmasi, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Bandar Puncak Alam, Malaysia.,Cardiology Therapeutics Research Group, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Bandar Puncak Alam, Malaysia
| | - Long Chiau Ming
- Pengiran Anak Puteri Rashidah Sa'adatul Bolkiah (PAPRSB) Institute of Health Sciences, Universiti Brunei Darussalam, Gadong, Brunei
| | - Hui Poh Goh
- Pengiran Anak Puteri Rashidah Sa'adatul Bolkiah (PAPRSB) Institute of Health Sciences, Universiti Brunei Darussalam, Gadong, Brunei
| | - Hanis Hanum Zulkifly
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Fakulti Farmasi, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Bandar Puncak Alam, Malaysia.,Cardiology Therapeutics Research Group, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Bandar Puncak Alam, Malaysia
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Mendys P, Jackson LR, Solimon EZ, Howard G, Ferdinand K. The atrial fibrillation paradox -connecting hypertension to atrial disease and stroke. Am J Prev Cardiol 2021; 8:100284. [PMID: 34755144 PMCID: PMC8564052 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpc.2021.100284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Revised: 10/09/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Phil Mendys
- North American Medical Affairs, Pfizer, NY, NY, United States
- Division of Cardiology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Larry R. Jackson
- Duke Clinical Research Institute, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States
- Duke Center for Atrial Fibrillation and Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology Section, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Elsayed Z. Solimon
- Epidemiological Cardiology Research Center, Section on Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston Salem, NC, United States
| | - George Howard
- Department of Biostatistics, School Of Public Health at the University of Alabama, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Keith Ferdinand
- Gerald S. Berenson Endowed Chair in Preventive Cardiology, Professor of Medicine, Tulane University School of Medicine New Orleans, LA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Bregani ER, Valcarenghi C, Conti M. A survey on a rural in-hospital population diagnosed with Atrial Fibrillation in west Shewa region, Ethiopia. J Public Health (Oxf) 2021; 43:325-332. [PMID: 31774507 DOI: 10.1093/pubmed/fdz140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained arrhythmia seen in clinical practice. It has been extensively studied in Western countries but less is known about developing countries. METHODS We collected data on a rural population afferent to Wolisso hospital in Ethiopia, analysing epidemiology, clinical and cardiac ultrasound profile.We enrolled 54 patients with first diagnosis of AF who undertook cardiac ultrasound and a questionnaire about personal and clinical profile. RESULTS Enrolled patients were younger than reported in the African urban population (mean age 51 years) and females were symptomatic at a younger age than males (61.8% of females were <50 years old versus 30% of males) and had complicated disease (100% of females had CHF). Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) was found in 38.9% of patients, especially in females (41.1%) and young patients, whereas hypertension (HTN) and degenerative valvular disease were predisposing to AF in old patients. CONCLUSION Low socio-economic level may explain findings we observed, particularly male to female ratio, more relevant than in urban subsets. RHD and HTN are many etiological factors of AF in our small population, so low-cost strategies to prevent their complications are surely cost-effective in rural catchment area of Wolisso hospital.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Enrico Rino Bregani
- U.O.C. di Medicina Generale, Emostasi e Trombosi, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122, Milano, Italy.,Medicine Department and Outpatient Department, St. Luke Catholic Hospital, Wolisso, Ethiopia.,Operational Research Unit, Doctors with Africa Cuamm, 35121, Padova, Italy
| | - Caterina Valcarenghi
- S.d.S di Anestesia, Rianimazione, Terapia Intensiva e del Dolore, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20122, Milano, Italy
| | - Matilde Conti
- S.d.S di Medicina di Emergenza e Urgenza, Università degli Studi di Milano-Bicocca, 20126, Milano, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Zhang J, Johnsen SP, Guo Y, Lip GYH. Epidemiology of Atrial Fibrillation: Geographic/Ecological Risk Factors, Age, Sex, Genetics. Card Electrophysiol Clin 2021; 13:1-23. [PMID: 33516388 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccep.2020.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Atrial fibrillation is the most common arrhythmia globally. The global prevalence of atrial fibrillation is positively correlated with the sociodemographic index of different regions. Advancing age, male sex, and Caucasian race are risk factors; female sex is correlated with higher atrial fibrillation mortality worldwide likely owing to thromboembolic risk. African American ethnicity is associated with lower atrial fibrillation risk, same as Asian and Hispanic/Latino ethnicities compared with Caucasians. Atrial fibrillation may be heritable, and more than 100 genetic loci have been identified. A polygenic risk score and clinical risk factors are feasible and effective in risk stratification of incident disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Juqian Zhang
- Liverpool Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Liverpool and Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital, Liverpool, L14 3PE, UK
| | - Søren Paaske Johnsen
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Søndre Skovvej 15, Aalborg, Aalborg 9000, Denmark
| | - Yutao Guo
- Liverpool Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Liverpool and Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital, Liverpool, L14 3PE, UK; Department of Cardiology, Medical School of Chinese PLA, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Gregory Y H Lip
- Liverpool Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Liverpool and Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital, Liverpool, L14 3PE, UK; Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Søndre Skovvej 15, Aalborg, Aalborg 9000, Denmark; Department of Cardiology, Medical School of Chinese PLA, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Rogers PA, Bernard ML, Madias C, Thihalolipavan S, Mark Estes N, Morin DP. Current Evidence-Based Understanding of the Epidemiology, Prevention, and Treatment of Atrial Fibrillation. Curr Probl Cardiol 2018; 43:241-283. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cpcardiol.2017.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
|
7
|
Zulkifly H, Lip GYH, Lane DA. Epidemiology of atrial fibrillation. Int J Clin Pract 2018; 72:e13070. [PMID: 29493854 DOI: 10.1111/ijcp.13070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 123] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2017] [Accepted: 01/18/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The most common type of arrhythmia in the USA and in European countries is atrial fibrillation (AF). The prevalence of AF is increasing worldwide with advances in technology, better prediction methods and increased awareness among healthcare professionals and patients. METHODS This article summarises the literature on the epidemiology of AF worldwide according to continents, age and ethnicity/race, and also includes the prevalence of AF in stroke patients. RESULTS In Australia, Europe and the USA, the current estimated prevalence of AF is about between 1% and 4%, with lower prevalence evident in Asia (0.49%-1.9%). AF prevalence is highest among Whites. In Western Europe, Australia and North America 70% of people with AF are aged >65 years, whereas the average age of AF patients in other geographical regions is often lower. CONCLUSIONS Although the prevalence of AF worldwide is increasing steadily, large variation can be seen between studies and countries. Further epidemiological studies should be undertaken globally, especially in Asian and African countries so that a better and more accurate picture of the incidence and prevalence of AF can be captured, to enable stroke prevention strategies to be appropriately implemented to prevent or reduce the risk of stroke, the most severe consequence of AF.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hanis Zulkifly
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Gregory Y H Lip
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
- Aalborg Thrombosis Research Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Deirdre A Lane
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
- Aalborg Thrombosis Research Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Abstract
The past 3 decades have been characterized by an exponential growth in knowledge and advances in the clinical treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF). It is now known that AF genesis requires a vulnerable atrial substrate and that the formation and composition of this substrate may vary depending on comorbid conditions, genetics, sex, and other factors. Population-based studies have identified numerous factors that modify the atrial substrate and increase AF susceptibility. To date, genetic studies have reported 17 independent signals for AF at 14 genomic regions. Studies have established that advanced age, male sex, and European ancestry are prominent AF risk factors. Other modifiable risk factors include sedentary lifestyle, smoking, obesity, diabetes mellitus, obstructive sleep apnea, and elevated blood pressure predispose to AF, and each factor has been shown to induce structural and electric remodeling of the atria. Both heart failure and myocardial infarction increase risk of AF and vice versa creating a feed-forward loop that increases mortality. Other cardiovascular outcomes attributed to AF, including stroke and thromboembolism, are well established, and epidemiology studies have championed therapeutics that mitigate these adverse outcomes. However, the role of anticoagulation for preventing dementia attributed to AF is less established. Our review is a comprehensive examination of the epidemiological data associating unmodifiable and modifiable risk factors for AF and of the pathophysiological evidence supporting the mechanistic link between each risk factor and AF genesis. Our review also critically examines the epidemiological data on clinical outcomes attributed to AF and summarizes current evidence linking each outcome with AF.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laila Staerk
- Cardiovascular Research Centre, Herlev and Gentofte University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
- Boston University and National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute’s Framingham Heart Study, Framingham, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Jason A. Sherer
- Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Darae Ko
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
- Whitaker Cardiovascular Institute, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
- Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Emelia J. Benjamin
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
- Boston University and National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute’s Framingham Heart Study, Framingham, Massachusetts, United States
- Whitaker Cardiovascular Institute, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
- Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
- Section of Preventive Medicine, Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Robert H. Helm
- Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Morin DP, Bernard ML, Madias C, Rogers PA, Thihalolipavan S, Estes NAM. The State of the Art: Atrial Fibrillation Epidemiology, Prevention, and Treatment. Mayo Clin Proc 2016; 91:1778-1810. [PMID: 27825618 DOI: 10.1016/j.mayocp.2016.08.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 130] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2016] [Revised: 08/04/2016] [Accepted: 08/17/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
As the most common sustained arrhythmia in adults, atrial fibrillation (AF) is an established and growing epidemic. To provide optimal patient care, it is important for clinicians to be aware of AF's epidemiological trends, methods of risk reduction, and the various available treatment modalities. Our understanding of AF's pathophysiology has advanced, and with this new understanding has come advancements in prevention strategies as well as pharmacological and nonpharmacological treatment options. Following PubMed and MEDLINE searches for AF risk factors, epidemiology, and therapies, we reviewed relevant articles (and bibliographies of those articles) published from 2000 to 2016. This "state-of-the-art" review provides a comprehensive update on the understanding of AF in the world today, contemporary therapeutic options, and directions of ongoing and future study.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel P Morin
- Department of Cardiology, Ochsner Medical Center, New Orleans, LA; Ochsner Clinical School, The University of Queensland School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA.
| | | | - Christopher Madias
- Electrophysiology, Arrhythmia and Pacemaker Program, Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL
| | - Paul A Rogers
- Department of Cardiology, Ochsner Medical Center, New Orleans, LA
| | | | - N A Mark Estes
- Cardiac Arrhythmia Center, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Howard G, Safford MM, Moy CS, Howard VJ, Kleindorfer DO, Unverzagt FW, Soliman EZ, Flaherty ML, McClure LA, Lackland DT, Wadley VG, Pulley L, Cushman M. Racial Differences in the Incidence of Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Older Black and White Adults. J Am Geriatr Soc 2016; 65:83-90. [PMID: 27666895 DOI: 10.1111/jgs.14472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To describe the incidence of cardiovascular risk factors, or race-related disparities in incidence, across the age spectrum in adults. DESIGN Longitudinal cohort. SETTING National sample. PARTICIPANTS Community-dwelling black and white adults recruited between 2003 and 2007. MEASUREMENTS Incident hypertension, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia and atrial fibrillation over 10 years of follow-up in 10,801 adults, stratified according to age (45-54, 55-64, 65-74, ≥75). RESULTS There was no evidence (P ≥ .68) of an age-related difference in the incidence of hypertension for white men (average incidence 38%), black men (48%), or black women (54%), although for white women incidence increased with age (45-54, 27%; ≥75, 40%). Incidence of diabetes mellitus was lower at older ages for white men (45-54, 15%; ≥75, 8%), black men (45-54, 29%; ≥75, 13%), and white women (45-54, 11%; ≥75, 4%), although there was no evidence (P = .11) of age-related changes for black women (average incidence 21%). For dyslipidemia, incidence for all race-sex groups was approximately 20% for aged 45 to 54 but approximately 30% for aged 54 to 64 and 65 to 74 and approximately 22% for aged 75 and older. Incidence of atrial fibrillation was low at age 45 to 54 (<5%) but for aged 75 and older was approximately 20% for whites and 11% for blacks. The incidence of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and dyslipidemia was higher in blacks across the age spectrum but lower for atrial fibrillation. CONCLUSION Incidence of risk factors remains high in older adults. Blacks have a higher incidence of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and dyslipidemia after age 45, underscoring the ongoing importance of prevention of all three conditions in mid- to later life.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- George Howard
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Monika M Safford
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York
| | - Claudia S Moy
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Virginia J Howard
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | | | | | - Elsayed Z Soliman
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Medicine, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
| | | | - Leslie A McClure
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Daniel T Lackland
- Department of Neurosciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Virginia G Wadley
- Department of Gerontology, Geriatrics and Palliative Care, School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - LeaVonne Pulley
- Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas
| | - Mary Cushman
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Thacker EL, Soliman EZ, Pulley L, Safford MM, Howard G, Howard VJ. Investigation of selection bias in the association of race with prevalent atrial fibrillation in a national cohort study: REasons for Geographic And Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS). Ann Epidemiol 2016; 26:534-539. [PMID: 27480477 DOI: 10.1016/j.annepidem.2016.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2016] [Revised: 06/03/2016] [Accepted: 06/28/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Atrial fibrillation (AF) is diagnosed more commonly in whites than blacks in the United States. In epidemiologic studies, selection bias could induce a noncausal positive association of white race with prevalent AF if voluntary enrollment was influenced by both race and AF status. We investigated whether nonrandom enrollment biased the association of race with prevalent self-reported AF in the US-based REasons for Geographic And Racial Differences in Stroke Study (REGARDS). METHODS REGARDS had a two-stage enrollment process, allowing us to compare 30,183 fully enrolled REGARDS participants with 12,828 people who completed the first-stage telephone survey but did not complete the second-stage in-home visit to finalize their REGARDS enrollment (telephone-only participants). RESULTS REGARDS enrollment was higher among whites (77.1%) than among blacks (62.3%) but did not differ by self-reported AF status. The prevalence of AF was 8.45% in whites and 5.86% in blacks adjusted for age, sex, income, education, and perceived general health. The adjusted white/black prevalence ratio of self-reported AF was 1.43 (95% CI, 1.32-1.56) among REGARDS participants and 1.38 (1.22-1.55) among telephone-only participants. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that selection bias is not a viable explanation for the higher prevalence of self-reported AF among whites in population studies such as REGARDS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Evan L Thacker
- Department of Health Science, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT; Department of Epidemiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham.
| | - Elsayed Z Soliman
- Department of Epidemiology and Prevention, Epidemiological Cardiology Research Center (EPICARE), Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC; Department of Medicine, Section on Cardiology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC
| | - LeaVonne Pulley
- Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock
| | - Monika M Safford
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham
| | - George Howard
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham
| | - Virginia J Howard
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Abstract
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained cardiac rhythm disorder, and increases in prevalence with increasing age and the number of cardiovascular comorbidities. AF is characterized by a rapid and irregular heartbeat that can be asymptomatic or lead to symptoms such as palpitations, dyspnoea and dizziness. The condition can also be associated with serious complications, including an increased risk of stroke. Important recent developments in the clinical epidemiology and management of AF have informed our approach to this arrhythmia. This Primer provides a comprehensive overview of AF, including its epidemiology, mechanisms and pathophysiology, diagnosis, screening, prevention and management. Management strategies, including stroke prevention, rate control and rhythm control, are considered. We also address quality of life issues and provide an outlook on future developments and ongoing clinical trials in managing this common arrhythmia.
Collapse
|
13
|
Abstract
The burden of stroke is increasing due to aging population and unhealthy lifestyle habits. The considerable rise in atrial fibrillation (AF) is due to greater diffusion of risk factors and screening programs. The link between AF and ischemic stroke is strong. The subtype most commonly associated with AF is cardioembolic stroke, which is particularly severe and shows the highest rates of mortality and permanent disability. A trend toward a higher prevalence of cardioembolic stroke in high-income countries is probably due to the greater diffusion of AF and the control of atherosclerotic of risk factors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Pistoia
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, Neurological Institute, University of L'Aquila, Via Vetoio, L'Aquila 67100, Italy.
| | - Simona Sacco
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, Neurological Institute, University of L'Aquila, Via Vetoio, L'Aquila 67100, Italy
| | - Cindy Tiseo
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, Neurological Institute, University of L'Aquila, Via Vetoio, L'Aquila 67100, Italy
| | - Diana Degan
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, Neurological Institute, University of L'Aquila, Via Vetoio, L'Aquila 67100, Italy
| | - Raffaele Ornello
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, Neurological Institute, University of L'Aquila, Via Vetoio, L'Aquila 67100, Italy
| | - Antonio Carolei
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, Neurological Institute, University of L'Aquila, Via Vetoio, L'Aquila 67100, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Nouraie M, Kansal V, Belfonte C, Ghazvini M, Haidari T, Shahnazi A, Brim H, Soliman EZ, Ashktorab H. Atrial Fibrillation and Colonic Neoplasia in African Americans. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0135609. [PMID: 26317627 PMCID: PMC4552839 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0135609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2015] [Accepted: 07/24/2015] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Colorectal cancer (CRC) and atrial fibrillation/flutter (AF) share several risk factors including increasing age and obesity. However, the association between CRC and AF has not been thoroughly examined, especially in African Americans. In this study we aimed to assess the prevalence of AF and its risk factors in colorectal neoplasia in an African American. Methods We reviewed records of 527 African American patients diagnosed with CRC and 1008 patients diagnosed with benign colonic lesions at Howard University Hospital from January 2000 to December 2012. A control group of 731 hospitalized patients without any cancer or colonic lesion were randomly selected from the same time and age range, excluding patients who had diagnosis of both CRC and/or adenoma. The presence or absence of AF was based upon ICD-9 code documentation. The prevalence of AF in these three groups was compared by multivariate logistic regression. Results The prevalence of AF was highest among CRC patients (10%) followed by adenoma patients (7.2%) then the control group (5.4%, P for trend = 0.002). In the three groups of participants, older age (P<0.008) and heart failure (P<0.001) were significantly associated with higher risk of AF. After adjusting for these risk factors, CRC (OR: 1.4(95%CI):0.9–2.2, P = 0.2) and adenoma (OR: 1.1(95%CI):0.7–1.6, P = 0.7) were not significantly associated AF compared to control group. Conclusions AF is highly prevalent among CRC patients; 1 in 10 patients had AF in our study. The predictors of AF in CRC was similar to that in adenoma and other patients after adjustment for potential confounders suggesting that the increased AF risk in CRC is explained by higher prevalence of AF risk factors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mehdi Nouraie
- Cancer Research Center, and Department of Medicine, Howard University College of Medicine, Washington, District of Columbia, United States of America
- * E-mail: (MN); (HA)
| | - Vandana Kansal
- Cancer Research Center, and Department of Medicine, Howard University College of Medicine, Washington, District of Columbia, United States of America
| | - Cassius Belfonte
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Howard University College of Medicine, Washington, District of Columbia, United States of America
| | - Mohammad Ghazvini
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Howard University College of Medicine, Washington, District of Columbia, United States of America
| | - Tahmineh Haidari
- Cancer Research Center, and Department of Medicine, Howard University College of Medicine, Washington, District of Columbia, United States of America
| | - Anahita Shahnazi
- Cancer Research Center, and Department of Medicine, Howard University College of Medicine, Washington, District of Columbia, United States of America
| | - Hassan Brim
- Cancer Research Center, and Department of Pathology, Howard University College of Medicine, Washington, District of Columbia, United States of America
| | - Elsayed Z. Soliman
- Epidemiological Cardiology Research Center, Department of Epidemiology and Prevention, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston Salem, North Carolina, United States of America
- Department of Internal Medicine-Cardiology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston Salem, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Hassan Ashktorab
- Cancer Research Center, and Department of Medicine, Howard University College of Medicine, Washington, District of Columbia, United States of America
- * E-mail: (MN); (HA)
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Abstract
Atrial fibrillation (AF) and heart failure (HF) are two epidemics of the century that have a close and complex relationship. The mechanisms underlying this association remain an area of ongoing intense research. In this review, we will describe the relationship between these two public health concerns, the mechanisms that fuel the development and perpetuation of both, and the evolving concepts that may revolutionize our approach to this dual epidemic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christina Luong
- Division of Cardiology, University of British Columbia, 2775 Laurel Street, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 1M9, Canada
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
Abstract
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a major public health burden worldwide, and its prevalence is set to increase owing to widespread population ageing, especially in rapidly developing countries such as Brazil, China, India, and Indonesia. Despite the availability of epidemiological data on the prevalence of AF in North America and Western Europe, corresponding data are limited in Africa, Asia, and South America. Moreover, other observations suggest that the prevalence of AF might be underestimated-not only in low-income and middle-income countries, but also in their high-income counterparts. Future studies are required to provide precise estimations of the global AF burden, identify important risk factors in various regions worldwide, and take into consideration regional and ethnic variations in AF. Furthermore, in response to the increasing prevalence of AF, additional resources will need to be allocated globally for prevention and treatment of AF and its associated complications. In this Review, we discuss the available data on the global prevalence, risk factors, management, financial costs, and clinical burden of AF, and highlight the current worldwide inadequacy of its treatment.
Collapse
|
17
|
Koopman JJE, van Bodegom D, Westendorp RGJ, Jukema JW. Scarcity of atrial fibrillation in a traditional African population: a community-based study. BMC Cardiovasc Disord 2014; 14:87. [PMID: 25037974 PMCID: PMC4107622 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2261-14-87] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2013] [Accepted: 07/14/2014] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In western societies, atrial fibrillation is an increasingly common finding among the elderly. Established risk factors of atrial fibrillation include obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease. Atrial fibrillation has almost exclusively been studied in western populations where these risk factors are widely present. Therefore, we studied the epidemiology of atrial fibrillation in a traditional African community. Methods In rural Ghana, among 924 individuals aged 50 years and older, we recorded electrocardiograms to detect atrial fibrillation. As established risk factors, we documented waist circumference, body mass index (BMI), capillary glucose level, blood pressure, and electrocardiographic myocardial infarction. In addition, we determined circulating levels of interleukin-6 (IL6), a proinflammatory cytokine, and C-reactive protein (CRP), a marker of systemic inflammation. We compared the risk factors with reference data from the USA. Results Atrial fibrillation was detected in only three cases, equalling 0.3% (95% CI 0.1–1.0%). Waist circumference, BMI, and capillary glucose levels were very low. Hypertension and myocardial infarction were uncommon. Circulating levels of IL6 were similar, but those of CRP were lower compared with the USA. Conclusion Atrial fibrillation is very scarce in this traditional African community. Its low prevalence compared with western societies can be explained by the rareness of its established risk factors, which are closely related to lifestyle, and by possible unmeasured differences in other risk factors or genetic factors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jacob J E Koopman
- Department of Gerontology and Geriatrics, Postal zone C7-Q, Leiden University Medical Center, PO Box 9600, 2300 RC Leiden, the Netherlands.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
18
|
Review of epidemiology and management of atrial fibrillation in developing countries. Int J Cardiol 2013; 167:2412-20. [PMID: 23453870 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2013.01.184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2012] [Revised: 12/10/2012] [Accepted: 01/18/2013] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the commonest sustained cardiac arrhythmia. In developing countries, AF is a growing public health problem with the epidemiologic transition from communicable to non-communicable diseases. However, relatively little is known about AF in the developing world. The aim of this review is to examine in developing countries the prevalence, associated medical conditions and management of AF. METHODS A literature search was conducted via MEDLINE and EMBASE (1990-2012). RESULTS Seventy studies were included in the review. The prevalence of AF in the general population ranged from 0.03% to 1.25%, while the prevalence of AF in hospital-based studies varied from 0.7% to 55.7%. Prevalence of AF in Africa was lower than in other regions. The most common conditions associated with AF were hypertension (10.3%-71.9%) and valvular heart disease (5.6%-66.3%). The prevalence of stroke in patients with AF ranged from 6.7% to 27%. The utilization of anticoagulants was highly variable (2.7%-72.7%). Approximately half of the patients with AF using warfarin had therapeutic International Normalized Ratios (INR). There was a high prevalence of use of rate control therapies (55.3%-87.3%). CONCLUSIONS The limited studies available suggest that in the developing world there is a significant prevalence of AF, which is predominantly associated with hypertension and valvular heart disease, and carries a risk of stroke. Highly variable use of anticoagulants may be related to different health care and socioeconomic settings. More studies are needed to improve understanding of the epidemiology and management of AF in developing countries.
Collapse
|
19
|
Chow GV, Marine JE, Fleg JL. Epidemiology of arrhythmias and conduction disorders in older adults. Clin Geriatr Med 2013; 28:539-53. [PMID: 23101570 DOI: 10.1016/j.cger.2012.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Normal aging is associated with a multitude of changes in the cardiovascular system, including decreased compliance of blood vessels, mild concentric left ventricular hypertrophy, an increased contribution of atrial contraction to left ventricular filling, and a higher incidence of many cardiac arrhythmias, both bradyarrhythmias and tachyarrhythmias. Conduction disorders also become more common with age, and may either be asymptomatic, or cause hemodynamic changes requiring treatment. The epidemiology of common arrhythmias and conduction disorders in the elderly is reviewed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Grant V Chow
- Division of Cardiology, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Carnegie 568, 600 N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|