Estimates of the global, regional, and national burden of atrial fibrillation in older adults from 1990 to 2019: insights from the Global Burden of Disease study 2019

Abstract

BackgroundAtrial fibrill ation (AF) is a predominant public health concern in older adults. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the global, regional, and national burden of AF in older adults aged 60–89 between 1990 and 2019.MethodsThe morbidity, mortality, disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), and age-standardized rates of AF were refined from the Global Burden of Diseases study 2019. The epidemiological characteristics were assessed based on numerical values, age-standardized rates per 100,000 person-years, and estimated annual percentage changes (EAPC).ResultsGlobally, a total of 33.31 million AF cases, 219.4 thousand deaths, and 65.80 million DALYs were documented in 2019. There were no appreciable changes in EAPC from 1990 to 2019. The disease burden of AF differed significantly across different territories and countries. At the national level, China exhibited the highest number of incident cases [818,493 (562,871–1,128,695)], deaths [39,970 (33,722–46,387)], and DALYs [1,383,674 (1,047,540–1,802,516)]. At the global level, high body mass index (BMI) and high systolic blood pressure (SBP) were two predominant risk factors contributing to the proportion of AF-related deaths.ConclusionAF in older adults remains a major public health concern worldwide. The burden of AF varies widely at both national and regional levels. From 1990 to 2019, the cases of incidences, deaths, and DALYs have shown a global increase. The ASIR, ASMR, and ASDR have declined in the high-moderate and high SDI regions; however, the burden of AF increased promptly in the lower SDI regions. Special attention should be paid to the main risk factors for high-risk individuals with AF, which can help control systolic blood pressure and body mass index within normal limits. Over all, it is necessary to illustrate the features of the global AF burden and develop more effective and targeted prevention and treatment strategies.

MicroRNAs: Midfielders of Cardiac Health, Disease and Treatment

“…In the United Kingdom, its cost burden is predicted to increase from 0.9% to a possible 4.27% of the National Health Service's (NHS) expenditure in the next two decades [82]. The Global Burden of Disease study in 2019 shows a ~1.4-fold increase in AF deaths globally from 1990 to 2019 [83]. Electrical conduction is abnormal in AF, leading to an irregular heart rhythm that causes the atria to fibrillate/quiver.…”

MicroRNA-452-5p regulates fibrogenesis via targeting TGF-β/SMAD4 axis in SCN5A-knockdown human cardiac fibroblasts

“…Cardiac arrhythmia affects 33 million people globally and is the prevalent cause of myocardial fibrosis leading to heart failure (HF). 1 Predominantly, myocardial fibrosis occurs due to abnormalities in ion channels and structural organization. The former contributes to the development of cardiac fibrosis by affecting the initiation and propagation of electrical stimuli, for instance, the reduced I Na significantly increased collagen deposition in SCN5A-knockout mice.…”