Abstract
Background: Atrial fibrillation or flutter (Afib/AFL) incidence rates continue to rise and are linked to significant mortality, particularly in older populations. Our analysis examines Afib/AFL mortality trends across different demographics and regions in the U.S. from 1999 to 2020, highlighting the importance of understanding these patterns. Aim: To guide preventive measures that alleviate the impact of Afib/AFL and identify high-risk populations and regions, we sought to quantify trends associated with Afib/AFL related mortality in the U.S. Methods: We conducted a comprehensive search of death certificates from 1999-2020 using Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Wide-Ranging OnLine Data for Epidemiologic Research (CDC WONDER) database focusing on Afib/AFL mortality in adults with ICD-10 codes I48. Gender, race, geographical and urban-rural parameters were investigated by calculating annual percent change (APC) and age-adjusted mortality rates (AAMRs) per 100,000 persons using the Joinpoint Regression Program (Joinpoint V 4.9.0.0, National Cancer Institute). Results: A total of 2,581,488 deaths occurred in patients with Afib/AFL from 1999 to 2020. The AAMR displayed an abrupt rise from 2018 to 2020 (APC: 8.51; 95% CI: 4.84-10.47). Men consistently exhibited a higher AAMR (overall AAMR male: 79.4, 95% CI 79.3-79.6; female: 60.8, 95% CI 60.7-60.9). Non-metropolitan areas showed higher AAMRs than metropolitan areas (overall AAMR non-metropolitan areas: 74.9, 95% CI 74.7-75.1; metropolitan: 67.2, 95% CI 67.1-67.2). Disparities were also observed in AAMRs by region with the West region showing the highest mortality rate with a notable rise between 2010 and 2020 (APC: 3.70, 95% CI 3.30-5.37). Non-hispanic (NH) White population showed the highest mortality (overall AAMR: 74.2, 95% CI 74.1-74.3), followed by NH American Indian (AAMR: 50.3), NH Black (AAMR: 45.8), NH Asian (AAMR: 35.0) and Hispanic (AAMR: 37.9) populations. Conclusion: Mortality from Afib/AFL has risen from 1999 to 2020. Men, NH white populations, and residents in non-metropolitan areas and Western U.S. are at higher risk. Targeted interventions and strategic healthcare resource allocation are needed to address these disparities and improve outcomes.
Published Version
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