Abstract

COLLAZO RODRIGUEZ, Pedro Manuel et al. Atrial fibrillation Epidemiology after 390 years. ccm [online]. 2019, vol.23, n.2, pp. 571-584.  Epub Sep 30, 2019. ISSN 1560-4381.

Atrial fibrillation is the most frequent supraventricular tachyarrhythmia according to clinical practice. It is determined by uncoordinated atrial activation, which causes a mechanical atrial dysfunction. Since its first description by William Harvey in 1628, numerous scientific methods have been developed for diagnosis, physiopathology and treatment. In spite of 390 years have passed after atrial fibrillation discovery, still prevails in developed countries approximately 1.5 to 2% in the general population. Average age has risen in such a way that today stands between 75 and 85 years old. Atrial fibrillation will double abreast within next 50 years. Current statistics report this arrhythmia is associated to five times higher risk of ictus and a threefold bigger incidence of congestive heart failure, increasing mortality levels. Present reports´ analysis has motivated research on the epidemiological situation of this cardiac rhythm disorder.

Keywords : atrial fibrillation; epidemiology; hypertension; ictus; heart failure.

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