Comprehensive nationwide incidence and prevalence trends of atrial fibrillation in Finland

Abstract

ObjectiveAtrial fibrillation (AF) is a worldwide healthcare challenge owing to population ageing. In this study, we assessed the current trends in the incidence and prevalence of AF for the first time in an unselected, nationwide population.MethodsIn the Finnish Anticoagulation in Atrial Fibrillation study, we gathered comprehensive data including all primary, secondary and tertiary healthcare visits and drug reimbursement from national healthcare registers to identify all patients with incident AF between 2004 and 2018 in Finland. Incident AF was defined as new-onset AF occurring after 2007. Time trends for the incidence and prevalence of AF were calculated and stratified by sex and age.ResultsA total of 411 387 patients with AF diagnosis were documented in Finland during 2004–2018. In 2018, the incidence and prevalence of AF in the total Finnish population were 469/100 000 and 4.1%, respectively. The incidence of new-onset AF in the adult population (≥20 years) increased from 471/100 000 in 2007 to 604/100 000 in 2018, but the age-adjusted incidence remained stable. The prevalence of AF increased in the adult population from 2.5% to 5.2%, and was higher in men than in women (5.9% vs 4.6%, p<0.001). The incidence and prevalence of AF increased with age and were 3194/100 000 and 23.4% in patients older than 75 years.ConclusionsBased on comprehensive nationwide data including primary care, we observed an increasing incidence and prevalence of AF over time. This increase was strongly age-dependent with the age-standardised incidence remaining stable during 2007–2018.Trial registration numberNCT04645537.

Geographical variation in persistence to oral anticoagulation therapy and clinical outcomes among patients with atrial fibrillation initiating therapy in Denmark, Sweden, Norway and Finland

“…The proportion of men was lower in Finland (44.5%) compared to 53.9% in Denmark, 53.7% in Sweden and 58.5% in Norway. In a nationwide Finnish study with less restrictive exclusion criteria, the percentage of men was 50.8% 20 . Additionally, the Finnish cohort also had the highest median age (together with Sweden), which may also have contributed to a lower proportion of men.…”

“…In a nationwide Finnish study with less restrictive exclusion criteria, the percentage of men was 50.8%. 20 Additionally, the Finnish cohort also had the highest median age (together with Sweden), which may also have contributed to a lower proportion of men. The life expectancy is 5-6 years longer among women in Finland, and the incidence of newly diagnosed AF is accordingly higher in older age groups among women despite the individual risk of AF being higher among men.…”

Ischaemic stroke in women with atrial fibrillation: temporal trends and clinical implications

“…Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia, affecting up to 5.2% of the adult population. 1 It is a major cause of ischaemic stroke (IS), with the risk of stroke varying considerably among individuals based on their comorbidities and other characteristics. 2 , 3 Accurate stratification of stroke risk and identification of individuals who would benefit from oral anticoagulant (OAC) therapy for stroke prevention is essential in managing patients with AF.…”

Temporal trends of gender disparities in oral anticoagulant use in patients with atrial fibrillation

“…Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia, affecting up to 5.2% of the adult population. 1 It represents a major cause of ischemic stroke and is in addition associated with dementia, hospitalizations and higher mortality. 2,3 Fortunately, oral anticoagulant (OAC) therapy can effectively mitigate the risk of stroke and death in patients with AF at risk of stroke.…”

“…Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia, affecting up to 5.2% of the adult population 1 . It represents a major cause of ischemic stroke and is in addition associated with dementia, hospitalizations and higher mortality 2,3 .…”