Int J Arrhythm.  2024 Sep;25(3):13. 10.1186/s42444-024-00119-4.

Atrial fibrillation fact sheet in Korea 2024 (part 1): epidemiology of atrial fibrillation in Korea

Affiliations
  • 1Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, 101 Daehak‑ro, Jongno‑gu, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea
  • 2Department of Inter‑ nal Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
  • 3Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Severance Cardiovascular Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
  • 4Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kangbuk Samsung Hospital, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
  • 5Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National Univer‑ sity Boramae Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
  • 6Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National Univer‑ sity Boramae Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
  • 7Bucheon Sejong Hospital, Bucheon, Republic of Korea
  • 8Statistics and Actuarial Science, Soongsil University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.

Abstract

Background and objectives
This study aimed to analyze and present updated trends in atrial fibrillation (AF) epidemiology within the Korean population, providing a foundation for planning and implementing appropriate management and treatment strategies for patients with AF.
Patients and methods
We used the Korean National Health Insurance Service database to evaluate the prevalence, incidence, comorbidities, and clinical adverse outcomes of patients with AF in Korea between 2013 and 2022.
Results
AF prevalence in Korean adults aged ≥ 20 years doubled (1.1 to 2.2%) between 2013 and 2022, with significant increases observed across various sex and age groups. Similarly, the number of newly diagnosed patients with AF per year increased steadily, with the incidence rising from 184 to 275 per 100,000 person-years, particularly among older populations. Over this period, the mean age of patients with AF increased from 67.7 to 70.3 years, and comorbidities prevalence and CHA2DS2-VASc score rose significantly, indicating a higher stroke risk. Compared with patients without AF, AF was associated with an increased risk of mortality (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.78), ischemic stroke (HR: 2.39), major bleeding (HR: 2.10), myocardial infarction (HR: 1.44), and heart failure admission (HR: 2.42).
Conclusion
AF prevalence and incidence have steadily increased between 2013 and 2022, with a more pronounced increase in older patients. Patients with AF are increasingly becoming a high-risk population and are at increased risk of clinical adverse outcomes compared to non-AF patients. Therefore, a sustained national effort to improve AF awareness and comprehensive care quality for patients with AF is required.

Keyword

Atrial fibrillation; Prevalence; Incidence; Comorbidity; Stroke
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