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Review
. 2025 May 6:47:101110.
doi: 10.1016/j.lana.2025.101110. eCollection 2025 Jul.

Atrial fibrillation in the Americas

Jason G Andrade  1   2 , Larry R Jackson 2nd  3 , Juan Carlos Diaz  4 , Mina Chung  5 , Jody Hurwitz  6 , Carlos A Morillo  7   8 , Gregory Y H Lip  9   10   11 , Nestor Lopez-Cabanillas  12
Affiliations
Review

Atrial fibrillation in the Americas

Jason G Andrade et al. Lancet Reg Health Am. .

Abstract

Atrial Fibrillation is the most common sustained cardiac arrhythmia, and is associated with significant impairments in quality of life. Regional variations and challenges in the management of atrial fibrillation are present throughout the Americas. Atrial fibrillation incidence and prevalence varies widely, with significant regional differences in the consequences of atrial fibrillation (disability adjusted life years, and mortality). While the contemporary goals are similar, the management of atrial fibrillation is highly variable across the Americas, driven by regional differences in access to medical services, diagnostics, treatments and technologies, as well as country-specific differences in health-care expenditures. Healthcare policies to address these within and between country barriers will lead to improved care and a reduction in the economic burden of atrial fibrillation. Failure to remediate health inequities will exacerbate the burden of healthcare resources attributed toward the management of this disease.

Keywords: Ablation; Anticoagulation; Atrial fibrillation; Guidelines; Hypertension; Rate-control; Rhythm-control; Stroke.

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Conflict of interest statement

Jason G. Andrade reports honoraria from Medtronic, Boston Scientific, Biosense Webster. Larry R. Jackson II reports honoraria from Sanofi, Biosense Webster, J&J Med Tech, East Carolina University, Bristol Myers Squibb, Association Block Cardiologists. Juan Carlos Diaz reports honoraria from Biotronik, Abbott, Medtronic, Biosense Webster. Mina Chung reports grants from the NIH and AHA. Jody Hurwitz reports consulting fees from Medtronic and had a leadership or fiduciary role as Past president of the Heart Rhythm Society. Carlos A. Morillo reports honoraria from Kardium, Novartis, Medtronic, grants from CIHR and NIH, NIH Sponsored DSMB Chair for the VELVET and BETTY Trials. Gregory Y. H. Lip has nothing to disclose. Nestor Lopez-Cabanillas has nothing to disclose.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Age Standardized Rate for atrial fibrillation prevalence, disability-adjusted life years, and death in the Americas.
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Regional Variability and barrier in the optimal management of AF.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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