Definition, causes, and risk factors
Atrial fibrillation (AFib) occurs when the heart's electrical signals become disorganized, causing an irregular and often rapid heart rate. Instead of contracting and relaxing regularly, the heart’s upper chambers (atria) quiver (fibrillate), which can lead to poor blood flow and, together with clot formation, increase the risk of stroke and heart failure.
AFib is typically triggered by other cardiovascular conditions, including coronary artery disease, heart attack, high blood pressure, heart valve disorders, congenital heart defects, cardiomyopathy, and myocarditis.3 Other risk factors include being 65 or older, having a family history of AFib, obesity, sleep apnea, smoking and alcohol use, a sedentary lifestyle, and chronic diseases such as diabetes and thyroid disease.3
Common symptoms of AFib include palpitations, shortness of breath, fatigue, dizziness, chest pain, and weakness. These symptoms can mimic other health issues, making early diagnosis challenging but essential for effective treatment.4
Addressing the impact
AFib is a significant health concern, affecting millions and leading to high rates of hospitalization and mortality. Key statistics highlight its impact:
- Prevalence: AFib affects nearly 40 million individuals worldwide and 6 million in the United States alone.5 An estimated 12.1 million people in the United States will have AFib by 2030.6
- Hospitalizations: AFib accounts for nearly 450,000 hospital admissions annually in the U.S.6
- Mortality: AFib increases the risk of stroke by five times and doubles the risk of heart-related deaths.1
Demographic breakdown
- Age: The risk of AFib increases with age, and individuals over 65 experience a substantial proportion of AFib-related complications.7
- Ethnicity/Race: Black and Hispanic individuals have higher rates of stroke and heart failure related to AFib compared to non-Hispanic Whites.8
While atrial fibrillation affects all communities, its impact is not evenly distributed. By educating ourselves and others about the risk factors, symptoms, and importance of early detection, particularly in communities heavily affected by AFib, we can significantly improve outcomes for those at risk.
Importance of early detection
Early detection and diagnosis of AFib are crucial for improving health outcomes. The prevalence of undiagnosed AFib is alarmingly high, with estimates suggesting that up to 30% of cases go undetected.9 These undiagnosed cases are often silent, leading to severe complications like stroke before AFib is identified. The economic impact is also substantial, with undiagnosed AFib adding billions to healthcare costs annually. However, early detection can drastically reduce these risks and costs.9
Early detection of AFib allows for effective treatments, such as oral anticoagulants, which can reduce the risk of e.g., stroke due to AFib. Additionally, early detection can prevent AFib from worsening, allowing for lower risk, more effective treatment options. By promoting early detection, we can significantly improve the prognosis for those affected by AFib.
Eko’s early detection solution: SENSORA™
To address the critical need for early detection, Eko has developed the FDA-cleared SENSORA™ Cardiac Disease Detection Platform, representing another step toward accurate and timely AFib diagnosis.
This innovative technology assists healthcare professionals in identifying irregular heart rhythms indicative of AFib using a smart stethoscope. Eko has transformed the traditional stethoscope into a scalable, low-cost, yet highly accurate tool capable of identifying AFib in a matter of seconds.
SENSORA™ boasts excellent performance. Among adults, it achieved a sensitivity of 98.9% and a specificity of 96.9%.2 This ensures more reliable detection and timely intervention for patients with AFib. It’s designed to support clinicians by providing additional diagnostic information without replacing clinical judgment or diminishing patient-provider interaction.
By enabling accurate and rapid identification of AFib, healthcare providers can initiate appropriate treatments sooner, significantly improving patient outcomes. Together, we can transform AFib patient care and create a lasting legacy of improved heart health.
Want to learn more about atrial fibrillation? View Eko’s clinical education articles.
References:
1. American Heart Association. "What Is Atrial Fibrillation?" Heart.Org, 29 Mar. 2023.
2. Eko Health. "Artificial Intelligence Validation White Paper." Retrieved July 19, 2024.
3. Nesheiwat, Z. et al. "Atrial Fibrillation." In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing, 2024 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK526072/
4. Mayo Clinic Staff. "Atrial Fibrillation." Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 8 Mar. 2024.
5. Kornej, J., Börschel, C. S., Benjamin, E. J., & Schnabel, R. B. "Epidemiology of Atrial Fibrillation in the 21st Century." Circulation Research, vol. 127, no. 1, 2020, pp. 4-20. https://doi.org/10.1161/circresaha.120.316340
6. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "About Atrial Fibrillation." Heart Disease.
7. Cleveland Clinic. “Atrial Fibrillation (Afib). May 2022. Retrieved on July 19th from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/16765-atrial-fibrillation-afib
8. Tamirisa, Kamala P., et al. "Racial and Ethnic Differences in the Management of Atrial Fibrillation." CJC Open, vol. 3, no. 12, Dec. 2021.
9. Turakhia, Mintu P., et al. "Economic Burden of Undiagnosed Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation in the United States." The American Journal of Cardiology, vol. 116, no. 5, Sept. 2015, pp. 733-739.
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