A Review of the Burden of Atrial Fibrillation: Understanding the Impact of the New Millennium Epidemic across Europe

Abstract

Atrial fibrillation (AF), the most common form of arrhythmia, is fast becoming one of the world’s most significant health issues. It is well established that AF increases the risk of mortality, and is associated with significant morbidity, including an increased risk of stroke. AF also worsens quality of life for patients, which can also be a burden for caregivers. As a result of Europe’s ageing population, the prevalence of AF is expected to rise substantially in the future. With more patients expected to be affected by AF, rates for AF-related strokes, hospitalisations, and doctor visits are also expected to rise, ultimately raising healthcare system costs across Europe. It is estimated that up to 2.6% of total annual healthcare expenditure is associated with AF in European countries. The high cost of AF is largely attributable to hospitalisations and complications such as stroke, i.e., in 2015, stroke was estimated to cost €45 billion a year in the European Union (EU). The purpose of this review is to highlight the current scale and growing burden of this new millennium epidemic in Europe. This review aims to foster a greater awareness and understanding of the magnitude of the clinical, patient, and economic burden of AF. An understanding of the burden of AF is imperative for directing care pathway management and healthcare policies that can help alleviate the burden of AF experienced by patients, caregivers, and healthcare systems in Europe.